Illinois urbana-champaign vs Notre dame — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Notre dame is the more selective of the two (11.3% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #301-400). Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 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 Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Notre dame for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Notre dame is more selective (11.3% vs 42.4% acceptance); Notre dame has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1440).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $81K); Notre dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $65,025); Notre dame offers a larger average aid package ($67,855 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Notre dame |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 11.3% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 61.7% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 29,942 |
| International students | 25% | 13% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $100K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $98K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 95% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 99% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $65,025 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $67,855 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $30,400 |
| Application fee | $50 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 13,042 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Notre dame?
It's harder to get into Notre dame. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Notre dame accepts 11.3%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Notre dame graduates earn more?
Notre dame graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $100K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Notre dame?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $65,025 per year at Notre dame.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Notre dame?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1520 at Notre dame; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Notre dame?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #301-400 for Notre dame.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Notre dame?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $67,855 at Notre dame.
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