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