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