Notre dame vs Cornell — 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 (#301-400 vs #12). 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 Notre dame for: higher retention, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
Choose Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
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 | Notre dame | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | — | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 67,846 |
| International students | 13% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $85 | — |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Notre dame or Cornell graduates earn more?
Cornell graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $104K vs $100K.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Cornell?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $62,257 at Cornell.
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