Notre dame vs Yale — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 11.3% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #11). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($100K vs $101K). Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $67,250 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: lower tuition.
Choose Yale for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 11.3% acceptance); Yale has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1520).
Yale graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($101K vs $100K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 95%).
Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $67,250); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $67,855).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Notre dame | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #11 |
| Rank · THE | — | #10 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 3.9% |
| Yield rate | 61.7% | 68.4% |
| Median SAT | 1520 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | — | — |
| Number of applications | 29,942 | 50,264 |
| International students | 13% | 22% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $100K | $101K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $98K | $124K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $194K |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 95.7% |
| Retention rate | 99% | 99.4% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $12,975 |
| Tuition · year | $65,025 | $67,250 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,855 | $76,770 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $30,400 | $22,185 |
| Application fee | $85 | $80 |
| Enrollment | 13,042 | 15,657 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Notre dame or Yale?
It's harder to get into Yale. Notre dame accepts 11.3% of applicants, while Yale accepts 3.9%.
Do Notre dame or Yale graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $100K at Notre dame and $101K at Yale.
How much is tuition at Notre dame vs Yale?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,025 per year at Notre dame and $67,250 per year at Yale.
What SAT score do you need for Notre dame or Yale?
The median admitted SAT score is 1520 at Notre dame and 1534 at Yale; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Notre dame or Yale?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Notre dame vs #11 for Yale.
Which university offers more financial aid — Notre dame or Yale?
The average aid package is $67,855 at Notre dame and $76,770 at Yale.
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