Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Notre Dame vs Yale University
- Notre Dame Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 11
- Yale Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Yale University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,777 vs University of Notre Dame's $26,780, Yale University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Yale 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
Notre Dame
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Yale
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than University of Notre Dame
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,777, roughly $3,003 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,975, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.1%, 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 #10
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Notre Dame graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (27% of degrees); Yale in Social Sciences (23%). 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 Yale University over University of Notre Dame. Median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment vs $99,980.
Pick Yale University over University of Notre Dame. Net price $23,777 vs $26,780.
Pick Yale University over University of Notre Dame. THE World Rank #10 vs #63.
Pick Yale University over University of Notre Dame. 2.1% 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 Yale University are close on paper, but Yale University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Yale 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, 1,520 to 1,534.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Yale 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, Yale University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $23,777, about $3,003 a year below University of Notre Dame's $26,780. Graduates of Yale University also borrow less: median debt of $12,975, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $12,012 before any change in aid. Choosing Yale University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Yale University graduates report median earnings of $100,533, compared with $99,980 at University of Notre Dame. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Yale University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.13x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% 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
Yale University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.1%; at University of Notre Dame, it is 0.9%. Yale 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, Yale 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, Yale University sits higher, at #10 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 Yale 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. University of Notre Dame concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Engineering, while Yale University leans toward Biology & Biomedical, 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 Yale University's $23,777.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,000, against $12,975 at Yale University.
- Engineering-focused students: University of Notre Dame has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Yale University has less business program depth, and University of Notre Dame offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Yale holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% 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
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.
Yale University
New Haven, CT · Private nonprofit
Yale University boasts an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating that most students who enroll successfully complete their degrees. This high level of achievement reflects the supportive academic environment and resources available to students.
According to Opportunity Insights data, Yale's graduates have a median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment. While specific mobility rates are not available, the strong earnings potential suggests that graduates are likely to experience upward economic mobility, particularly when compared to peers from lower-income backgrounds.
The net price for attending Yale is $23,777, with a median debt of $12,975. This financial landscape allows students to invest in their education while keeping debt manageable. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are motivated and eager to engage deeply in their studies, particularly in top fields such as social sciences, biology, and engineering.
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 Yale leads with Sociology (23%).
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 Yale).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Notre Dame is strongest in Business & Marketing, Engineering, while Yale University concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Yale University?
Yale University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 11% at University of Notre Dame.
Which is more affordable, University of Notre Dame or Yale University?
Yale University is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,777 after aid versus $26,780 at University of Notre Dame.
Do University of Notre Dame or Yale University graduates earn more?
Yale University graduates earn more: median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment, versus $99,980 at University of Notre Dame.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Notre Dame or Yale University?
Yale University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 96%.
University of Notre Dame vs Yale University: which is better for social mobility?
Yale University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.1% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose University of Notre Dame or Yale University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Yale 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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