Notre dame vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Notre dame is the more selective of the two (11.3% vs 88.7% acceptance). Notre dame ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #501-600). Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Iowa state for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Notre dame is more selective (11.3% vs 88.7% acceptance); Notre dame has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1204).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $63K); Notre dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $65,025); Notre dame offers a larger average aid package ($67,855 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Notre dame | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 23,095 |
| International students | 13% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $85 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Notre dame. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Notre dame or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Notre dame graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $100K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Iowa state?
Notre dame ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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