Notre dame vs Southern california — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 11.3% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #62). Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $92K). Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 11.3% acceptance); Notre dame has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1495).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $92K); Notre dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95% vs 91.8%).
Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $67,855).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Notre dame | Southern california |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #62 |
| Rank · THE | — | #72 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 9.8% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 43.3% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1495 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 82,027 |
| International students | 13% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $92K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 91.8% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 95.6% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $18,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $72,097 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $71,169 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.3% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $27,678 |
| Application fee | $85 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 46,566 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Southern california?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Southern california accepts 9.8%.
Do Notre dame or Southern california graduates earn more?
Notre dame graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $100K vs $92K.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Southern california?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $72,097 per year at Southern california.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Southern california?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1495 at Southern california; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Southern california?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #62 for Southern california.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Southern california?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $71,169 at Southern california.
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