Cornell vs Notre dame — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 11.3% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #301-400). Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $100K). Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $69,314 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Notre dame for: higher retention, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 11.3% acceptance); Cornell has a higher median SAT (1535 vs 1520).
Cornell graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($104K vs $100K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 95%).
Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $69,314); Notre dame offers a larger average aid package ($67,855 vs $62,257).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Notre dame |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 11.3% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 61.7% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 29,942 |
| International students | 26% | 13% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $100K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $98K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 95% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 99% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $65,025 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $67,855 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $30,400 |
| Application fee | — | $85 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 13,042 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Notre dame?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Notre dame accepts 11.3%.
Do Cornell or Notre dame graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $100K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Notre dame?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $65,025 per year at Notre dame.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Notre dame?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1520 at Notre dame; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Notre dame?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #301-400 for Notre dame.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Notre dame?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $67,855 at Notre dame.
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