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