Stanford vs Notre dame — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 11.3% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #301-400). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $100K). Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $65,910 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 Stanford for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Notre dame for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 11.3% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1520).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $100K); Notre dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95% vs 91.9%).
Notre dame has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,025 vs $65,910); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $67,855).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Notre dame |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 11.3% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 61.7% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 29,942 |
| International students | 23% | 13% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $100K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $98K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 95% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 99% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $19,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $65,025 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $67,855 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $30,400 |
| Application fee | $100 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 13,042 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Notre dame?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Notre dame accepts 11.3%.
Do Stanford or Notre dame graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $100K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Notre dame?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $65,025 per year at Notre dame.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Notre dame?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1520 at Notre dame; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Notre dame?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #301-400 for Notre dame.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Notre dame?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $67,855 at Notre dame.
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