Head-to-Head Comparison
Cornell University vs University of Notre Dame
- Cornell Wins
- 31
- Tied
- 11
- Notre Dame Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Notre Dame offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $26,780 vs Cornell University's $28,690, University of Notre Dame delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose University of Notre Dame benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $99,980 at ten years.
53 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Cornell
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than University of Notre Dame
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #14
Notre Dame
- Lower cost: Average net price of $26,780, roughly $1,910 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Cornell graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (19% of degrees); Notre Dame in Business & Marketing (27%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Cornell University over University of Notre Dame. Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment vs $99,980.
Pick University of Notre Dame over Cornell University. Net price $26,780 vs $28,690.
Pick Cornell University over University of Notre Dame. THE World Rank #14 vs #63.
Pick Cornell University over University of Notre Dame. 2.9% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Cornell University and University of Notre Dame are close on paper, but Cornell University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Cornell University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while University of Notre Dame takes 11%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,535 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Cornell University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Notre Dame comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $26,780, about $1,910 a year below Cornell University's $28,690. Graduates of Cornell University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,640 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Notre Dame leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Cornell University graduates report median earnings of $104,043, compared with $99,980 at University of Notre Dame. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, Cornell University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.13x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Cornell University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at University of Notre Dame, it is 0.9%. Cornell University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Cornell University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Cornell University sits higher, at #14 versus #63.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Notre Dame to keep costs and debt down; pick Cornell University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Notre Dame saves about $1,910 a year, yet Cornell University graduates earn $4,063 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Cornell University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while University of Notre Dame leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Cornell University has less business program depth, and University of Notre Dame offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Cornell University's enrollment of 15,995 far exceeds University of Notre Dame's 8,818.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,000, against $14,000 at Cornell University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Notre Dame's enrollment, and Cornell University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Cornell holds onto its admits more tightly: 69% of admitted students enroll, versus 64% at Notre Dame — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 5 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, is a fitting choice for students who are academically driven and eager for a deeply engaging campus experience. With an acceptance rate of just 9%, this school attracts some of the brightest minds, and it has a graduation rate of 95%. Students here dive into popular programs like Computer Science, Business, and Engineering, all of which are designed to prepare them for competitive fields.
After graduation, individuals from Cornell see impressive financial returns, with a median earning of about $104,043 after ten years. This level of income reflects the value of the education received and the strong career paths available to graduates. Although the cost of attendance can be significant, the financial aid landscape is supportive, especially for those who qualify for Pell Grants, which help about 18% of students.
The net price after aid stands at approximately $28,690, which is manageable considering the median debt of $14,000 that graduates carry. This financial framework means that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of debt, allowing them to focus on their careers and aspirations rather than being weighed down by financial burdens. Those who thrive at Cornell are typically motivated, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the many resources and connections available to them.
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit
The University of Notre Dame has an impressive graduation rate of 96%. This means that the vast majority of students who start their studies here complete their degrees on time. Such a high rate indicates strong student support and academic rigor.
According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility outcomes for Notre Dame students are not available. However, the strong graduation rate and high earnings after ten years suggest that graduates from this institution tend to secure stable, well-paying jobs. The average earnings for alumni reach $99,980, reflecting the quality of education and career preparation they receive.
Prospective students should consider the financial aspects as well. The net price for attending Notre Dame is $26,780, with a median debt of $19,000 after graduation. While the Pell Grant rate is 14%, students who thrive here often pursue majors in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science, aligning their education with strong job markets.
Rankings They Appear On
Cornell University and University of Notre Dame appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best Private University MBA Programs, Cornell University ranks #1 — Cornell University outranks University of Notre Dame by 5 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Cornell's top program is Computer Science (19% of enrollment), while Notre Dame leads with Business Administration (27%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Cornell) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Notre Dame).
The two schools feed different job markets. Cornell University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while University of Notre Dame concentrates in Social Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Cornell University or University of Notre Dame?
Cornell University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 11% at University of Notre Dame.
Which is more affordable, Cornell University or University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame is more affordable, with an average net price of $26,780 after aid versus $28,690 at Cornell University.
Do Cornell University or University of Notre Dame graduates earn more?
Cornell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, versus $99,980 at University of Notre Dame.
Which has a better graduation rate, Cornell University or University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 95%.
Cornell University vs University of Notre Dame: which is better for social mobility?
Cornell University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Cornell University or University of Notre Dame?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Notre Dame if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Cornell University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Cornell and Notre Dame stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
