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University of Notre Dame vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

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

17
University Wins
10
Tied / N/A
19
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Great Lakes
Region
Great Lakes
8,818
Enrollment
36,902
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
45%
1520
SAT Average
1427
34
ACT Midpoint
29
1455-1560
SAT Range
1380-1520

Cost & Financial Aid

$65,025
In-State Tuition
$11,603
$65,025
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,103
$26,780
Average Net Price
$17,354
$7,244
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,200
$7,254
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,101
$11,432
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,134
$45,321
Net Price ($110K+)
$27,292
14%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
25%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
89%
99%
Retention Rate
96%
88%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$16,830
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,643
10%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

46%
Female
53%
59%
White
59%
15%
Hispanic
9%
5%
Black
2%
6%
Asian
11%
0.61
Diversity Index
0.62

Outcomes

$86,210
Earnings (6yr)
$61,275
$94,844
Earnings (8yr)
$69,868
$99,980
Earnings (10yr)
$73,792
$19,000
Median Debt
$20,484
0.19x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
85%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

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

Social Capital

1.46
Economic Connectedness
1.78
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
4.3%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

#63
World Rank
#27
56.4
Teaching Score
74.3
45.1
Research Score
77.3
89.1
Citations Score
90.6

The Overviews

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.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public

45% accept 89% grad $73,792 earnings $17,354 net

With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.

Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.

When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.

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