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Auburn University vs University of Notre Dame

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

75.0% Auburn acceptance
12.0% Notre Dame acceptance
$137,156 Auburn cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Auburn
Auburn, Alabama
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
33,015
Setting
Suburban
Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
Private
Founded
1842
Enrollment
13,139
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $29,649
Auburn
$33,044
Notre Dame
$62,693
Acceptance Rate Notre Dame more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Notre Dame
12.0%
Graduation Rate Notre Dame higher
Auburn
78%
Notre Dame
97%
Avg SAT Score Notre Dame higher
Auburn
1270
Notre Dame
1500
Starting Salary Notre Dame higher
Auburn
$60,200
Notre Dame
$80,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Notre Dame Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$62,693Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$62,693Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$17,680Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%12.0%Notre Dame
Graduation Rate78%97%Notre Dame
Average SAT12701500Notre Dame
Student-Faculty Ratio19:19:1Notre Dame
Enrollment33,01513,139-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$42,380Notre Dame
Starting Salary$60,200$80,200Notre Dame
Endowment$1.1B$20.3BNotre Dame
Campus Size1,841 acres1,265 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Notre Dame
$321,492
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Notre Dame = $151,972. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Notre Dame Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringSciencePolitical ScienceEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
Notre DameSuburban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Notre Dame1,265 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
Notre DameNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
Notre DameMidwest
Founded
Auburn1856
Notre Dame1842
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Notre Dame13,139

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Notre Dame harder to get into?+
Notre Dame is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Notre Dame?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $321,492). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Notre Dame offers $42,380/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Notre Dame?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Notre Dame it is 1500. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Auburn or Notre Dame graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Notre Dame have a higher average starting salary ($80,200 vs $60,200). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Auburn has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Notre Dame has 9:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Notre Dame compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Notre Dame is in Notre Dame, Indiana (suburban setting) with 1,265 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Notre Dame in NCAA D1.