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College comparison
Cornell vs Notre Dame
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Cornell Ithaca, NY |  Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCornell University is more selective | 9% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1455–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 15,995 | 8,818 |
| Avg net price | $28,690 | $26,780 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Cornell reports higher median earnings | $104,043 | $99,980 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 95% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $19,000 |
| Economic mobility | 2.9% | 0.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Cornell vs Notre Dame: how they compare
For an affluent, data-driven family, the choice between Cornell and Notre Dame is a contrast between an Ivy League university and a premier, mission-driven private institution with a distinct communal identity.
By the numbers Cornell is more selective (9% vs. 11% acceptance) with a slightly higher SAT 25–75th percentile range (1500–1570 vs. 1455–1560). Post-graduate earnings are comparable but favor Cornell ($104k vs. $100k 10-year median). Notre Dame offers a slightly lower average net price ($27k vs. $29k) and a marginally better value multiplier (3.7x vs. 3.6x earnings per dollar of net price). A major divergence is in economic mobility: Cornell's rate is 291%, dramatically higher than Notre Dame's 90%. Cornell also shows greater stability in admissions (39% admit-rate volatility vs. 59%) and a strong DOE financial-health score of 2.7/3. Both share a 95% graduation rate.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective universities with strong graduation outcomes and financial returns on investment. They attract high-achieving students and offer robust career support.
How they differ The environments and cultures are distinct. Cornell, an Ivy in a city-like setting, is larger and offers significant academic breadth. Notre Dame, in a suburban setting, is known for its tight-knit, campus-centered community, rooted in dorm-based traditions and a prominent sports culture.
Who each suits Cornell suits a student seeking Ivy League prestige, broad academic and research opportunities, and a more independent environment in a quasi-urban setting. Notre Dame is ideal for a student who prioritizes a strong, cohesive community with defined traditions and a values-oriented atmosphere.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Cornell University or University of Notre Dame harder to get into?
- Cornell University is more selective: Cornell University's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and University of Notre Dame's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Cornell University vs University of Notre Dame?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Cornell University and 1455–1560 at University of Notre Dame. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.