Notre Dame vs. Brandeis University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN with Brandeis University in Waltham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Notre Dame is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (13,042 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Notre Dame is located in Notre Dame, IN (Rural Fringe setting); Brandeis University is in Waltham, MA (Small City setting).
• University of Notre Dame is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Notre Dame 8:1; Brandeis University 10:1.

Notre Dame vs. Brandeis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Notre Dame or Brandeis University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Notre Dame than Brandeis University ($29,300 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Notre Dame are 10.2% lower than at Brandeis University ($17,900 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Notre Dame (about $3,055 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $65,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at Brandeis University than at University of Notre Dame (about $3,055 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $65,025.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brandeis University than at University of Notre Dame (62% vs. 61%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Notre Dame students is 26% larger than aid received by Brandeis University students ($53,971 vs. $42,841).

Notre Dame vs. Brandeis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Notre Dame or Brandeis University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Brandeis University and Notre Dame .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Notre Dame (1510) is 50 points higher than at Brandeis University (1460).
• Incoming Notre Dame students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at Brandeis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Notre Dame 1455/1560; Brandeis University 1390/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Notre Dame 33/35; Brandeis University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Notre Dame - Test optional; Brandeis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Notre Dame Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Notre Dame students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Brandeis University (3.84).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Notre Dame (11.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.7% at Notre Dame vs. 17.3% at Brandeis University.

Notre Dame vs. Brandeis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Notre Dame and Brandeis University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Notre Dame's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Brandeis University's (91%).
• Graduates from University of Notre Dame earn a median of about $23,100 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Notre Dame graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Notre Dame graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Notre Dame graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 82%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.