Notre dame vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Notre dame is the more selective of the two (11.3% vs 16.8% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #201-300). Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
Choose Virginia for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, 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 16.8% acceptance); Notre dame has a higher median SAT (1520 vs 1480).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $87K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 95%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $65,025); Notre dame offers a larger average aid package ($67,855 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Notre dame | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 58,951 |
| International students | 13% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Notre dame. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Notre dame or Virginia graduates earn more?
Notre dame graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $100K vs $87K.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Virginia?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Virginia?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $37,123 at Virginia.
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