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University of California-San Diego vs University of Notre Dame

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

18
University Wins
16
Tied / N/A
12
University Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Far West
Region
Great Lakes
34,948
Enrollment
8,818
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

27%
Acceptance Rate
11%
N/A
SAT Average
1520
N/A
ACT Midpoint
34
N/A
SAT Range
1455-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$16,758
In-State Tuition
$65,025
$50,958
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,025
$12,470
Average Net Price
$26,780
$7,525
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,244
$8,155
Net Price ($30-48K)
$7,254
$9,942
Net Price ($48-75K)
$11,432
$28,785
Net Price ($110K+)
$45,321
34%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
21%
Federal Loan Rate
25%

Academics

87%
Graduation Rate
96%
94%
Retention Rate
99%
88%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$19,117
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,830
40%
First-Gen Students
10%

Student Body

52%
Female
46%
17%
White
59%
27%
Hispanic
15%
2%
Black
5%
35%
Asian
6%
0.76
Diversity Index
0.61

Outcomes

$65,669
Earnings (6yr)
$86,210
$77,893
Earnings (8yr)
$94,844
$84,943
Earnings (10yr)
$99,980
$15,500
Median Debt
$19,000
0.18x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19x
73%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

N/A
Mobility Rate
89.73%
N/A
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6239.9%
N/A
From Bottom 20%
143.8%
N/A
Parent Median Income
$165,400

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.46
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
12.1%
Volunteering Rate
4.3%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#63
N/A
Teaching Score
56.4
N/A
Research Score
45.1
N/A
Citations Score
89.1

The Overviews

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

27% accept 87% grad $84,943 earnings $12,470 net

The University of California-San Diego has an impressive graduation rate of 87%. This high percentage reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. It stands out in California's competitive higher education landscape, making it an attractive option for many students.

According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC San Diego graduates have a 10-year earning potential of $84,943. This earning figure positions the university as a strong pathway for upward mobility, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds. The data indicates that a significant portion of graduates experience substantial economic advancement post-graduation.

Practical considerations are also favorable. The net price for attending UC San Diego is $12,470, making it a relatively affordable option compared to other institutions. Graduates leave with a median debt of $15,500, which is manageable given their earning potential. Students who thrive here often pursue degrees in Biology, Engineering, Social Sciences, Psychology, and Computer Science, fields that are in high demand in today's job market.

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit

11% accept 96% grad $99,980 earnings $26,780 net

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.

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