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University of Notre Dame vs Saint Mary's College

University of Notre Dame is a private university in Notre Dame, IN, and Saint Mary's College is a private college in Notre Dame, IN. University of Notre Dame is the more selective of the two, admitting about 11% of applicants against 76% at Saint Mary's College. Saint Mary's College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,292 a year against $26,780 at University of Notre Dame. About 96% of students graduate at University of Notre Dame, compared with 73% at Saint Mary's College. Ten years after enrolling, University of Notre Dame alumni earn a median of about $99,980, against $59,354 for Saint Mary's College.

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University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private

Saint Mary's College

Notre Dame, IN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Notre Dame, IN
Notre Dame, IN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,818
1,458
Acceptance rate
11%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1455–1560
1130–1325
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
26–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,780
$25,292
Full cost / yr
$83,271
$66,478
In-state tuition
$65,025
$53,230
Out-of-state tuition
$65,025
$53,230
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,244
$16,760
$30k - $48k
$7,254
$18,152
$48k - $75k
$11,432
$21,014
$75k - $110k
$18,670
$23,680
Over $110k
$45,321
$30,443
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
73%
Freshman retention
99%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$86,210
$53,470
Median earnings (10 yr)
$99,980
$59,354
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
24%
First-generation students
10%
20%
International students
7%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 4
Feb 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 Saint Mary's College harder to get into?
University of Notre Dame is harder to get into. It admits about 11% of applicants, compared with 76% at Saint Mary's College. 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 Saint Mary's College?
Saint Mary's College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,292 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 Saint Mary's College?
Before aid, Saint Mary's College costs about $66,478 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 Saint Mary's College?
University of Notre Dame. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,244 there, against about $16,760 at Saint Mary's College. 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 Saint Mary's College?
University of Notre Dame is the larger of the two, with about 8,818 undergraduates against 1,458 at Saint Mary's College.
Does University of Notre Dame or Saint Mary's College have a better graduation rate?
University of Notre Dame has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 73% at Saint Mary's College.
Do graduates of University of Notre Dame or Saint Mary's College earn more?
University of Notre Dame alumni earn more on average: a median of about $99,980 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,354 for Saint Mary's College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Notre Dame is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Saint Mary's College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1455–1560 at University of Notre Dame and 1130–1325 at Saint Mary's College. 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