Harvard vs Notre dame — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Harvard is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 11.3% acceptance). Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#1 vs #301-400). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($102K vs $100K). Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 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 Harvard for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Notre dame for: higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Harvard is more selective (3.6% vs 11.3% acceptance); Harvard has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1520).
Harvard graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $100K); Harvard has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 95%).
Harvard has lower sticker-price tuition ($61,676 vs $65,025); Harvard offers a larger average aid package ($74,387 vs $67,855).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Harvard | Notre dame |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #1 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #3 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 11.3% |
| Yield rate | 83.6% | 61.7% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | — |
| Number of applications | 54,008 | 29,942 |
| International students | 25% | 13% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $100K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $98K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $200K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 97.6% | 95% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 99% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $61,676 | $65,025 |
| Avg. aid package | $74,387 | $67,855 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,262 | $30,400 |
| Application fee | $85 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 21,189 | 13,042 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Harvard or Notre dame?
It's harder to get into Harvard. Harvard accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Notre dame accepts 11.3%.
Do Harvard or Notre dame graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $102K at Harvard and $100K at Notre dame.
How much is tuition at Harvard vs Notre dame?
Sticker-price tuition is $61,676 per year at Harvard and $65,025 per year at Notre dame.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard or Notre dame?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Harvard and 1520 at Notre dame; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Harvard or Notre dame?
Harvard ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #1 for Harvard vs #301-400 for Notre dame.
Which university offers more financial aid — Harvard or Notre dame?
The average aid package is $74,387 at Harvard and $67,855 at Notre dame.
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