Northwestern University vs University of Notre Dame-South Bend: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Northwestern University and University of Notre Dame-South Bend, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Northwestern University vs University of Notre Dame-South Bend at a glance
Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and University of Notre Dame-South Bend 11.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $34,420 at Northwestern University and $25,339 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend. Six-year graduation rates are 96.1% and 95.4%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and University of Notre Dame-South Bend 11.3%, so Northwestern University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $34,420 a year at Northwestern University and $25,339 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend; University of Notre Dame-South Bend costs $9,081 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $1,427 at Northwestern University and $8,380 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend.
- 96.1% of students graduate within six years at Northwestern University, against 95.4% at University of Notre Dame-South Bend.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $104,255 for Northwestern University and $113,124 for University of Notre Dame-South Bend; University of Notre Dame-South Bend is $8,869 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $17,017 at Northwestern University and $19,000 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend.
- Northwestern University enrolls 9,201 students (small city) and University of Notre Dame-South Bend 8,818 (large suburb).
Side by side
Northwestern University and University of Notre Dame-South Bend in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Northwestern University | University of Notre Dame-South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 7.7% | 11.3% |
| Applicants | 47,636 | 23,642 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1570 | 1455–1560 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $34,420 | $25,339 |
| Tuition, in state | $70,589 | $67,607 |
| Tuition, out of state | $70,589 | $67,607 |
| Cost of attendance | $94,854 | $86,125 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $1,427 | $8,380 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $7,536 | $7,088 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $8,811 | $13,838 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $18,954 | $18,966 |
| Over $110,000 | $56,074 | $45,146 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.1% | 95.4% |
| First-year retention | 98.1% | 99.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $104,255 | $113,124 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $17,017 | $19,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $193 | $216 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 9,201 | 8,818 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Evanston, IL | Notre Dame, IN |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Northwestern University reports 85 bachelor's programs and University of Notre Dame-South Bend 56; 39 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Northwestern University vs University of Notre Dame-South Bend
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Northwestern University or University of Notre Dame-South Bend?
Northwestern University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Northwestern University admits 7.7% of applicants and University of Notre Dame-South Bend admits 11.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Northwestern University 1510–1570; University of Notre Dame-South Bend 1455–1560.
Which is cheaper, Northwestern University or University of Notre Dame-South Bend?
University of Notre Dame-South Bend has the lower average net price after grants: $34,420 a year at Northwestern University against $25,339 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $1,427 and $8,380. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Northwestern University or University of Notre Dame-South Bend graduates earn more?
University of Notre Dame-South Bend graduates earn more at the median: $104,255 ten years after entry for Northwestern University and $113,124 for University of Notre Dame-South Bend. Median federal debt at graduation is $17,017 and $19,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Northwestern University or University of Notre Dame-South Bend?
Northwestern University does: 96.1% of Northwestern University students graduate within six years, against 95.4% at University of Notre Dame-South Bend.
How big are Northwestern University and University of Notre Dame-South Bend?
Northwestern University has 9,201 students in Evanston, IL and University of Notre Dame-South Bend has 8,818 students in Notre Dame, IN.