Villanova University vs University of Notre Dame-South Bend: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Villanova University and University of Notre Dame-South Bend, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Villanova University vs University of Notre Dame-South Bend at a glance
Villanova University admits 27% of applicants and University of Notre Dame-South Bend 11.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $41,536 at Villanova University and $25,339 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend. Six-year graduation rates are 92.8% and 95.4%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Villanova University admits 27% of applicants and University of Notre Dame-South Bend 11.3%, so University of Notre Dame-South Bend is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $41,536 a year at Villanova University and $25,339 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend; University of Notre Dame-South Bend costs $16,197 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $21,459 at Villanova University and $8,380 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend.
- 92.8% of students graduate within six years at Villanova University, against 95.4% at University of Notre Dame-South Bend.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $115,382 for Villanova University and $113,124 for University of Notre Dame-South Bend; Villanova University is $2,258 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $25,000 at Villanova University and $19,000 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend.
- Villanova University enrolls 6,938 students (large suburb) and University of Notre Dame-South Bend 8,818 (large suburb).
Side by side
Villanova 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 | Villanova University | University of Notre Dame-South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 27% | 11.3% |
| Applicants | 24,410 | 23,642 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1395–1510 | 1455–1560 |
| ACT middle 50% | 32–34 | 33–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $41,536 | $25,339 |
| Tuition, in state | $70,826 | $67,607 |
| Tuition, out of state | $70,826 | $67,607 |
| Cost of attendance | $88,293 | $86,125 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $21,459 | $8,380 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,356 | $7,088 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $25,787 | $13,838 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $31,719 | $18,966 |
| Over $110,000 | $57,135 | $45,146 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 92.8% | 95.4% |
| First-year retention | 95.1% | 99.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $115,382 | $113,124 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $25,000 | $19,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $284 | $216 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 6,938 | 8,818 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Villanova, PA | 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
Villanova University reports 50 bachelor's programs and University of Notre Dame-South Bend 56; 33 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Villanova University vs University of Notre Dame-South Bend
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Villanova University or University of Notre Dame-South Bend?
University of Notre Dame-South Bend is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Villanova University admits 27% of applicants and University of Notre Dame-South Bend admits 11.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Villanova University 1395–1510; University of Notre Dame-South Bend 1455–1560.
Which is cheaper, Villanova University or University of Notre Dame-South Bend?
University of Notre Dame-South Bend has the lower average net price after grants: $41,536 a year at Villanova University against $25,339 at University of Notre Dame-South Bend. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $21,459 and $8,380. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Villanova University or University of Notre Dame-South Bend graduates earn more?
Villanova University graduates earn more at the median: $115,382 ten years after entry for Villanova University and $113,124 for University of Notre Dame-South Bend. Median federal debt at graduation is $25,000 and $19,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Villanova University or University of Notre Dame-South Bend?
University of Notre Dame-South Bend does: 92.8% of Villanova University students graduate within six years, against 95.4% at University of Notre Dame-South Bend.
How big are Villanova University and University of Notre Dame-South Bend?
Villanova University has 6,938 students in Villanova, PA and University of Notre Dame-South Bend has 8,818 students in Notre Dame, IN.