Notre dame vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Notre dame is the more selective of the two (11.3% vs 63.5% acceptance). Notre dame ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #501-600). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($100K vs $102K). Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 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, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Notre dame is more selective (11.3% vs 63.5% acceptance); Notre dame has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1456).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($102K vs $100K); Notre dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95% vs 83.6%).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 vs $65,025); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $67,855).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Notre dame | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 15,819 |
| International students | 13% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 98% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Notre dame. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Notre dame or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $100K at Notre dame and $102K at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Notre dame ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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