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University of Notre Dame vs Purdue University-Main Campus

University of Notre Dame is a private university in Notre Dame, IN, and Purdue University-Main Campus is a public university in West Lafayette, IN. University of Notre Dame is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 50% at Purdue University-Main Campus. Purdue University-Main Campus is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,600 a year against $26,780 at University of Notre Dame. About 96% of students graduate at University of Notre Dame, compared with 83% at Purdue University-Main Campus. Ten years after enrolling, University of Notre Dame alumni earn a median of about $99,980, against $72,424 for Purdue University-Main Campus.

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University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Notre Dame, IN
West Lafayette, IN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,818
44,503
Acceptance rate
11%
50%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1455–1560
1200–1480
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
27–34
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,780
$14,600
Full cost / yr
$83,271
$24,591
In-state tuition
$65,025
$9,992
Out-of-state tuition
$65,025
$28,794
Application fee
$75
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,244
$5,098
$30k - $48k
$7,254
$6,241
$48k - $75k
$11,432
$9,438
$75k - $110k
$18,670
$18,177
Over $110k
$45,321
$22,742
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
83%
Freshman retention
99%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$86,210
$60,838
Median earnings (10 yr)
$99,980
$72,424
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
13%
First-generation students
10%
19%
International students
7%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Notre Dame or Purdue University-Main Campus harder to get into?
University of Notre Dame is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 50% at Purdue University-Main Campus. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Notre Dame or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,600 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,780 at University of Notre Dame. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Notre Dame and Purdue University-Main Campus?
Before aid, Purdue University-Main Campus costs about $24,591 a year and University of Notre Dame about $83,271. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Notre Dame or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,098 there, against about $7,244 at University of Notre Dame. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Notre Dame or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Purdue University-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 44,503 undergraduates against 8,818 at University of Notre Dame.
Does University of Notre Dame or Purdue University-Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
University of Notre Dame has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 83% at Purdue University-Main Campus.
Do graduates of University of Notre Dame or Purdue University-Main Campus earn more?
University of Notre Dame alumni earn more on average: a median of about $99,980 ten years after enrolling, against about $72,424 for Purdue University-Main Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Notre Dame and Purdue University-Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Notre Dame is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Purdue University-Main Campus requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do University of Notre Dame and Purdue University-Main Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1455–1560 at University of Notre Dame and 1200–1480 at Purdue University-Main Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school