University of Notre Dame-South Bend vs UChicago: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Notre Dame-South Bend and University of Chicago, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Notre Dame-South Bend vs UChicago at a glance
University of Notre Dame-South Bend admits 11.3% of applicants and UChicago 4.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $25,339 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend and $16,776 at UChicago. Six-year graduation rates are 95.4% and 95%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Notre Dame-South Bend admits 11.3% of applicants and UChicago 4.5%, so UChicago is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $25,339 a year at University of Notre Dame-South Bend and $16,776 at UChicago; UChicago costs $8,563 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $8,380 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend and $394 at UChicago.
- 95.4% of students graduate within six years at University of Notre Dame-South Bend, against 95% at UChicago.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $113,124 for University of Notre Dame-South Bend and $103,872 for UChicago; University of Notre Dame-South Bend is $9,252 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,000 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend and $12,000 at UChicago.
- University of Notre Dame-South Bend enrolls 8,818 students (large suburb) and UChicago 7,569 (large city).
Side by side
University of Notre Dame-South Bend and UChicago 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 | University of Notre Dame-South Bend | UChicago |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 4.5% |
| Applicants | 23,642 | 37,974 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1455–1560 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 33–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $25,339 | $16,776 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,607 | $73,962 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,607 | $73,962 |
| Cost of attendance | $86,125 | $94,971 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $8,380 | $394 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $7,088 | $1,148 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $13,838 | $2,800 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $18,966 | $7,744 |
| Over $110,000 | $45,146 | $49,769 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 95.4% | 95% |
| First-year retention | 99.1% | 99.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $113,124 | $103,872 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,000 | $12,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $136 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 8,818 | 7,569 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Notre Dame, IN | Chicago, IL |
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
University of Notre Dame-South Bend reports 56 bachelor's programs and UChicago 50; 31 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Notre Dame-South Bend vs UChicago
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Notre Dame-South Bend or UChicago?
UChicago is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Notre Dame-South Bend admits 11.3% of applicants and UChicago admits 4.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Notre Dame-South Bend 1455–1560; UChicago 1510–1580.
Which is cheaper, University of Notre Dame-South Bend or UChicago?
UChicago has the lower average net price after grants: $25,339 a year at University of Notre Dame-South Bend against $16,776 at UChicago. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $8,380 and $394. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Notre Dame-South Bend or UChicago graduates earn more?
University of Notre Dame-South Bend graduates earn more at the median: $113,124 ten years after entry for University of Notre Dame-South Bend and $103,872 for UChicago. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,000 and $12,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Notre Dame-South Bend or UChicago?
University of Notre Dame-South Bend does: 95.4% of University of Notre Dame-South Bend students graduate within six years, against 95% at UChicago.
How big are University of Notre Dame-South Bend and UChicago?
University of Notre Dame-South Bend has 8,818 students in Notre Dame, IN and UChicago has 7,569 students in Chicago, IL.