Northwestern vs Notre dame — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Northwestern is the more selective of the two (7.7% vs 11.3% acceptance). Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#33 vs #301-400). Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $89K). Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $68,322 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 Northwestern for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Notre dame for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Northwestern is more selective (7.7% vs 11.3% acceptance); Northwestern has a higher median SAT (1533 vs 1520).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $89K); Northwestern has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.1% vs 95%).
Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $68,322); Northwestern offers a larger average aid package ($68,110 vs $67,855).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Northwestern | Notre dame |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #33 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #31 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 11.3% |
| Yield rate | 55.3% | 61.7% |
| Median SAT | 1533 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 49,474 | 29,942 |
| International students | 20% | 13% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $100K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $98K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $139K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 95.1% | 95% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 99% |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $68,322 | $65,025 |
| Avg. aid package | $68,110 | $67,855 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,540 | $30,400 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 23,431 | 13,042 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Northwestern or Notre dame?
It's harder to get into Northwestern. Northwestern accepts 7.7% of applicants, while Notre dame accepts 11.3%.
Do Northwestern or Notre dame graduates earn more?
Notre dame graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $100K vs $89K.
How much is tuition at Northwestern vs Notre dame?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,322 per year at Northwestern and $65,025 per year at Notre dame.
What SAT score do you need for Northwestern or Notre dame?
The median admitted SAT score is 1533 at Northwestern and 1520 at Notre dame; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Northwestern or Notre dame?
Northwestern ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #33 for Northwestern vs #301-400 for Notre dame.
Which university offers more financial aid — Northwestern or Notre dame?
The average aid package is $68,110 at Northwestern and $67,855 at Notre dame.
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