Notre dame vs Temple — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Notre dame is the more selective of the two (11.3% vs 80.4% acceptance). Notre dame ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #401-500). Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $64K). Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 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 Temple for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Notre dame is more selective (11.3% vs 80.4% acceptance); Notre dame has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1250).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $64K); Notre dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95% vs 75%).
Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $65,025); Notre dame offers a larger average aid package ($67,855 vs $17,833).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Notre dame | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 80.4% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.40 |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 40,817 |
| International students | 13% | 6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $64K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 83% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $38,958 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 100% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | $85 | $55 |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Temple?
It's harder to get into Notre dame. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.4%.
Do Notre dame or Temple graduates earn more?
Notre dame graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $100K vs $64K.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $38,958 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Temple?
Notre dame ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Temple?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $17,833 at Temple.
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