Head-to-Head Comparison
Stanford University vs University of Notre Dame
- Stanford Wins
- 34
- Tied
- 8
- Notre Dame Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Stanford University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Notre Dame achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 92%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $26,780 compared to Stanford University's $13,807. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Stanford 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
Stanford
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, 24% more than University of Notre Dame
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,807, roughly $12,973 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #4
Notre Dame
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Stanford graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (21% 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 Stanford University over University of Notre Dame. Median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment vs $99,980.
Pick Stanford University over University of Notre Dame. Net price $13,807 vs $26,780.
Pick Stanford University over University of Notre Dame. THE World Rank #4 vs #63.
Pick Stanford University over University of Notre Dame. 2.2% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick University of Notre Dame over Stanford University. 96% completion rate vs 92%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Stanford University and University of Notre Dame are close on paper, but Stanford University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Stanford University is the harder admit. It takes 4% 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, Stanford 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, Stanford University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,807, about $12,973 a year below University of Notre Dame's $26,780. Graduates of Stanford University also borrow less: median debt of $12,000, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $51,892 before any change in aid. Choosing Stanford University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stanford University graduates report median earnings of $124,080, compared with $99,980 at University of Notre Dame. That is a 24% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stanford University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 24% 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.
Finishing the degree
University of Notre Dame graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 92%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Stanford University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at University of Notre Dame, it is 0.9%. Stanford University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stanford 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, Stanford University sits higher, at #4 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 Stanford 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. Stanford 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
- Engineering-focused students: University of Notre Dame has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stanford 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 Stanford University's $13,807.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,000, against $12,000 at Stanford University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Notre Dame's enrollment, and Stanford University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stanford holds onto its admits more tightly: 80% 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
Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Stanford University is a fitting choice for students who excel academically and are looking for a vibrant, intellectually stimulating environment. Here, you'll find a strong focus on programs like Computer Science and IT, Engineering, and Social Sciences, among others. It’s a place where ambitious students can dive deep into their fields and explore new ideas alongside peers who are just as driven.
When it comes to life after graduation, Stanford graduates see some impressive outcomes. The average earnings after ten years is around $124,080, which speaks volumes about the value of a degree here. That kind of financial trajectory can be life-changing, especially considering the university's commitment to keeping education affordable. With a median debt of $12,000, many graduates can focus on building their careers without being burdened by excessive loans.
Looking at the practical aspects, the net price for attending Stanford after aid is approximately $13,807. This balanced cost structure allows a diverse range of students to access the opportunities here, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, as evidenced by the 19% Pell Grant rate. Students who thrive in this environment are typically those who are self-motivated, eager to engage in rigorous academic challenges, and ready to contribute to a collaborative community.
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
Stanford University and University of Notre Dame appear together in 4 rankings. On the Hardest Colleges to Get Into, Stanford University ranks #1 — Stanford University outranks University of Notre Dame by 29 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Stanford's top program is Computer Science (21% 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 Stanford) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Notre Dame).
The two schools feed different job markets. Stanford University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Notre Dame concentrates in Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Stanford University or University of Notre Dame?
Stanford University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 11% at University of Notre Dame.
Which is more affordable, Stanford University or University of Notre Dame?
Stanford University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,807 after aid versus $26,780 at University of Notre Dame.
Do Stanford University or University of Notre Dame graduates earn more?
Stanford University graduates earn more: median earnings of $124,080 ten years after enrollment, versus $99,980 at University of Notre Dame.
Which has a better graduation rate, Stanford University or University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 92%.
Stanford University vs University of Notre Dame: which is better for social mobility?
Stanford University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Stanford University or University of Notre Dame?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Stanford 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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