Emory vs Notre dame — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.7% vs 11.3% acceptance). Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #301-400). Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $80K). Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 vs $65,025 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 Emory for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, lower tuition.
Choose Notre dame for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.7% vs 11.3% acceptance).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $80K); Notre dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95% vs 91.1%).
Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 vs $65,025); Notre dame offers a larger average aid package ($67,855 vs $67,329).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | Notre dame |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 10.7% | 11.3% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 61.7% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 29,942 |
| International students | 19% | 13% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $100K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $98K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 95% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 99% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $64,280 | $65,025 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $67,855 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $30,400 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 13,042 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or Notre dame?
It's harder to get into Emory. Emory accepts 10.7% of applicants, while Notre dame accepts 11.3%.
Do Emory or Notre dame graduates earn more?
Notre dame graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $100K vs $80K.
How much is tuition at Emory vs Notre dame?
Sticker-price tuition is $64,280 per year at Emory and $65,025 per year at Notre dame.
What SAT score do you need for Emory or Notre dame?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Emory and 1520 at Notre dame; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Emory or Notre dame?
Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Emory vs #301-400 for Notre dame.
Which university offers more financial aid — Emory or Notre dame?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $67,855 at Notre dame.
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