Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Chicago vs University of Notre Dame
- Chicago Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 11
- Notre Dame Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Chicago offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Notre Dame achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 95%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $26,780 compared to University of Chicago's $14,860. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Chicago'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
Chicago
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,860, roughly $11,920 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.9%, 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 #12
Notre Dame
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than University of Chicago
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Chicago graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (40% 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 University of Notre Dame over University of Chicago. Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment vs $91,885.
Pick University of Chicago over University of Notre Dame. Net price $14,860 vs $26,780.
Pick University of Chicago over University of Notre Dame. THE World Rank #12 vs #63.
Pick University of Chicago over University of Notre Dame. 1.9% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Chicago and University of Notre Dame are close on paper, but University of Chicago 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
University of Chicago 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, 1,554 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Chicago 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 Chicago comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,860, about $11,920 a year below University of Notre Dame's $26,780. Graduates of University of Chicago also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $47,680 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Chicago leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Notre Dame graduates report median earnings of $99,980, compared with $91,885 at University of Chicago. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Chicago has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% 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
University of Chicago does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.9%; at University of Notre Dame, it is 0.9%. University of Chicago also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Chicago 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, University of Chicago sits higher, at #12 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 Chicago to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Notre Dame 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 Chicago saves about $11,920 a year, yet University of Notre Dame graduates earn $8,095 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. University of Chicago ranks higher globally (#12 vs #63), but University of Notre Dame alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. University of Chicago concentrates enrollment in Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT, while University of Notre Dame leans toward Business & Marketing, Engineering. 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: University of Chicago 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 University of Chicago's $14,860.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,000, against $15,000 at University of Chicago.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Chicago holds onto its admits more tightly: 88% of admitted students enroll, versus 64% at Notre Dame — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Chicago offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Notre Dame does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means students face stiff competition to gain admission, but those who do become part of a community committed to academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 95%, students are likely to earn their degrees and move on to successful careers.
Graduates from the University of Chicago report impressive earnings. After ten years, their median income reaches $91,885. This level of financial success reflects the school’s strong academic programs, particularly in social sciences, biology, and computer science. While the Pell Grant rate is 15%, indicating that a portion of students come from low-income backgrounds, the institution does not provide specific data on economic mobility.
The cost of attendance is $14,860, and the median debt for graduates stands at $15,000. This relatively low debt compared to earnings suggests that students can manage their finances effectively after graduation. The University of Chicago is ideal for high-achieving students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are motivated to leverage their education for financial success.
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
University of Chicago and University of Notre Dame appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Yield Colleges (Most-Loved), University of Chicago ranks #1 — University of Chicago outranks University of Notre Dame by 14 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Chicago's top program is Sociology (40% 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 Chicago) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Notre Dame).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Chicago is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT, while University of Notre Dame concentrates in Business & Marketing, Engineering. 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 University of Chicago or University of Notre Dame?
University of Chicago is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 11% at University of Notre Dame.
Which is more affordable, University of Chicago or University of Notre Dame?
University of Chicago is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,860 after aid versus $26,780 at University of Notre Dame.
Do University of Chicago or University of Notre Dame graduates earn more?
University of Notre Dame graduates earn more: median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, versus $91,885 at University of Chicago.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Chicago or University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 95%.
University of Chicago vs University of Notre Dame: which is better for social mobility?
University of Chicago is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.9% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose University of Chicago or University of Notre Dame?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Chicago if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Notre Dame 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.
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