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