Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt University
- Notre Dame Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 10
- Vanderbilt Wins
- 27
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Vanderbilt University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Notre Dame achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 93%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $26,780 compared to Vanderbilt University's $15,846 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Vanderbilt University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Notre Dame
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than Vanderbilt University
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
Vanderbilt
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,846, roughly $10,934 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 6% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #51
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Notre Dame graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (27% of degrees); Vanderbilt in Social Sciences (31%). 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 Vanderbilt University. Median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment vs $91,565.
Pick Vanderbilt University over University of Notre Dame. Net price $15,846 vs $26,780.
Pick Vanderbilt University over University of Notre Dame. THE World Rank #51 vs #63.
Pick Vanderbilt University over University of Notre Dame. 1.5% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Notre Dame and Vanderbilt University are close on paper, but Vanderbilt University 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
Vanderbilt University is the harder admit. It takes 6% of applicants, while University of Notre Dame takes 11%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,549.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Vanderbilt 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, Vanderbilt University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,846, about $10,934 a year below University of Notre Dame's $26,780. Graduates of Vanderbilt University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $43,736 before any change in aid. Choosing Vanderbilt University 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 $91,565 at Vanderbilt University. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Vanderbilt University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x 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
Vanderbilt University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.5%; at University of Notre Dame, it is 0.9%. Vanderbilt University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Vanderbilt 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, Vanderbilt University sits higher, at #51 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 Vanderbilt University 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. Vanderbilt University saves about $10,934 a year, yet University of Notre Dame graduates earn $8,415 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. Vanderbilt University ranks higher globally (#51 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 Notre Dame concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while Vanderbilt University leans toward Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $26,780 runs well above Vanderbilt University's $15,846.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,000, against $14,000 at Vanderbilt University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Vanderbilt University has less business program depth, and University of Notre Dame offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Vanderbilt holds onto its admits more tightly: 78% of admitted students enroll, versus 64% at Notre Dame — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Vanderbilt 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) 6 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 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.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 6%, Vanderbilt University attracts motivated students who are ready to dive into rigorous programs. Located in Nashville, this school is particularly appealing to those interested in Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, and Psychology. The small enrollment of about 7,200 means students often benefit from smaller class sizes, fostering a close-knit academic community where collaboration thrives.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, Vanderbilt graduates can expect to earn a median salary of $91,565 within ten years. This impressive figure reflects the university's strong emphasis on career readiness and networking opportunities. While the data on mobility isn't available, the high graduation rate of 93% speaks to the support students receive, which can help them move into successful careers.
When it comes to the financial aspect, students can expect a net price of around $15,846 after aid, which is quite manageable given the potential earnings. With a median debt of $14,000, graduates usually leave with a reasonable financial burden. Students who thrive here are often those who are driven, engaged, and ready to leverage the university's resources to achieve their goals.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Notre Dame is featured on the Best Colleges in Indiana ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Notre Dame's top program is Business Administration (27% of enrollment), while Vanderbilt leads with Sociology (31%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Notre Dame) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Vanderbilt).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Notre Dame is strongest in Business & Marketing, while Vanderbilt University concentrates in Computer Science & IT. 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 Notre Dame or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is harder to get into, admitting 6% of applicants compared with 11% at University of Notre Dame.
Which is more affordable, University of Notre Dame or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,846 after aid versus $26,780 at University of Notre Dame.
Do University of Notre Dame or Vanderbilt University graduates earn more?
University of Notre Dame graduates earn more: median earnings of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, versus $91,565 at Vanderbilt University.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Notre Dame or Vanderbilt University?
University of Notre Dame has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 93%.
University of Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt University: which is better for social mobility?
Vanderbilt University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.5% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose University of Notre Dame or Vanderbilt University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Vanderbilt University 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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