Head-to-Head Comparison
Princeton University vs University of Notre Dame
- Princeton Wins
- 33
- Tied
- 11
- Notre Dame Wins
- 8
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Princeton University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $6,128 vs University of Notre Dame's $26,780, Princeton University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Princeton University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Princeton
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment, 10% more than University of Notre Dame
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,128, roughly $20,652 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,320, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #5
Notre Dame
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Princeton graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (20% 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 Princeton University over University of Notre Dame. Median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment vs $99,980.
Pick Princeton University over University of Notre Dame. Net price $6,128 vs $26,780.
Pick Princeton University over University of Notre Dame. THE World Rank #5 vs #63.
Pick Princeton University over University of Notre Dame. 1.3% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Princeton University and University of Notre Dame are close on paper, but Princeton University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Princeton University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while University of Notre Dame takes 11%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Princeton 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, Princeton University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $6,128, about $20,652 a year below University of Notre Dame's $26,780. Graduates of Princeton University also borrow less: median debt of $10,320, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $82,608 before any change in aid. Choosing Princeton University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Princeton University graduates report median earnings of $110,066, compared with $99,980 at University of Notre Dame. That is a 10% advantage. Set against borrowing, Princeton University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.09x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 10% 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
Princeton University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.3%; at University of Notre Dame, it is 0.9%. Princeton University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Princeton 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, Princeton University sits higher, at #5 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 Princeton University to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Princeton University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while University of Notre Dame leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Princeton University has less business program depth, and University of Notre Dame offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $26,780 runs well above Princeton University's $6,128.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,000, against $10,320 at Princeton University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Notre Dame's enrollment of 8,818 far exceeds Princeton University's 5,709.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Princeton holds onto its admits more tightly: 75% 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) 4 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
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.
After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.
When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.
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
Princeton University and University of Notre Dame appear together in 6 rankings. On the Best Colleges in America, Princeton University ranks #1 — Princeton University outranks University of Notre Dame by 42 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Princeton's top program is Sociology (20% 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 Princeton) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Notre Dame).
The two schools feed different job markets. Princeton University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while University of Notre Dame concentrates in Business & Marketing. 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 Princeton University or University of Notre Dame?
Princeton University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 11% at University of Notre Dame.
Which is more affordable, Princeton University or University of Notre Dame?
Princeton University is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,128 after aid versus $26,780 at University of Notre Dame.
Do Princeton University or University of Notre Dame graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates earn more: median earnings of $110,066 ten years after enrollment, versus $99,980 at University of Notre Dame.
Which has a better graduation rate, Princeton University or University of Notre Dame?
Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 96%.
Princeton University vs University of Notre Dame: which is better for social mobility?
Princeton University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.3% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Princeton University or University of Notre Dame?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Princeton University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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