Notre dame vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Notre dame is the more selective of the two (11.3% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #23). Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $86K). Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $65,790 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, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Washington university for: a higher world ranking, a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Notre dame is more selective (11.3% vs 12.1% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1520).
Notre dame graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($100K vs $86K); Notre dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95% vs 94.3%).
Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $65,790); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $67,855).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Notre dame | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | — | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 32,754 |
| International students | 13% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 95% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Notre dame. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Notre dame or Washington university graduates earn more?
Notre dame graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $100K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Washington university?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $75,604 at Washington university.
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