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College comparison
Notre Dame vs USC
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 |  Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN |  USC Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Southern California is more selective | 11% | 10% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1455–1560 | 1450–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 8,818 | 20,443 |
| Avg net price | $26,780 | $32,740 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Notre Dame reports higher median earnings | $99,980 | $92,498 |
| Graduation rate | 95% | 92% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $18,000 |
| Economic mobility | 0.9% | 3.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Notre Dame vs USC: how they compare
For an affluent, data-driven family, the choice between Notre Dame and USC hinges on valuing consistent financial outcomes versus exceptional economic mobility and a vibrant urban network.
By the numbers Notre Dame shows stronger financial value and outcomes, with a 10-year median graduate earning $100k (vs. USC's $92k) at an average net price of $27k (vs. $33k), yielding a value multiplier of 3.7x earnings per dollar of net price (vs. 2.8x). Selectivity is nearly identical (ND 11% vs. USC 10% acceptance), with similar SAT mid-ranges (ND 1455–1560, USC 1450–1550). USC’s defining quantitative strength is its extraordinary 393% economic-mobility rate, far exceeding Notre Dame's 90%. Both have high graduation rates (ND 95%, USC 92%) and similar admit-rate volatility. USC's DOE financial-health score is a solid 2.5/3.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective private universities with intense school spirit, prominent football cultures, and deeply engaged student bodies. They offer robust alumni networks and a strong sense of campus community.
How they differ The core contrasts are location and culture. Notre Dame offers a self-contained suburban campus life known for a traditional collegiate atmosphere. USC is embedded in Los Angeles, providing an urban, dynamic experience with a diversity of activities and a powerful alumni network concentrated in Southern California industries.
Who each suits Notre Dame suits a student seeking a tight-knit, classic college experience with predictable, high financial returns and a consistently supportive environment. USC is for the student drawn to the energy and opportunity of a major global city, where student life is externally vibrant and the potential for upward economic mobility is quantitatively significant.
Quick answers
- Is University of Notre Dame or University of Southern California harder to get into?
- University of Southern California is more selective: University of Notre Dame's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and University of Southern California's is approximately 10% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for University of Notre Dame vs University of Southern California?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1455–1560 at University of Notre Dame and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. 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.