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NYU vs University of Notre Dame

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

12.2% NYU acceptance
12.0% Notre Dame acceptance
$6,572 Notre Dame cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban
Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
Private
Founded
1842
Enrollment
13,139
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition NYU saves $2,255
NYU
$60,438
Notre Dame
$62,693
Acceptance Rate Notre Dame more selective
NYU
12.2%
Notre Dame
12.0%
Graduation Rate Notre Dame higher
NYU
87%
Notre Dame
97%
Avg SAT Score Notre Dame higher
NYU
1480
Notre Dame
1500
Starting Salary Notre Dame higher
NYU
$74,100
Notre Dame
$80,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric NYU Notre Dame Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,438$62,693NYU
Tuition (In-State)$60,438$62,693NYU
Room & Board$21,578$17,680Notre Dame
Acceptance Rate12.2%12.0%Notre Dame
Graduation Rate87%97%Notre Dame
Average SAT14801500Notre Dame
Student-Faculty Ratio8:19:1NYU
Enrollment59,14413,139-
Avg Financial Aid$38,960$42,380Notre Dame
Starting Salary$74,100$80,200Notre Dame
Endowment$6.2B$20.3BNotre Dame
Campus Size230 acres1,265 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
VS
Notre Dame
$321,492
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NYU = $172,224 | Notre Dame = $151,972. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Notre Dame Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringSciencePolitical ScienceEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NYUUrban
Notre DameSuburban
Campus Size
NYU230 ac
Notre Dame1,265 ac
Athletics
NYUNCAA D3
Notre DameNCAA D1
Region
NYUNortheast
Notre DameMidwest
Founded
NYU1831
Notre Dame1842
Enrollment
NYU59,144
Notre Dame13,139

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYU or Notre Dame harder to get into?+
Notre Dame is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.0% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NYU or Notre Dame?+
At sticker price, Notre Dame costs less over 4 years ($321,492 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NYU offers an average of $38,960/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 NYU and Notre Dame?+
The average SAT score at NYU is 1480 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 NYU or Notre Dame graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Notre Dame have a higher average starting salary ($80,200 vs $74,100). 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?+
NYU has a 8:1 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 NYU and Notre Dame compare for campus life?+
NYU is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 230-acre campus. Notre Dame is in Notre Dame, Indiana (suburban setting) with 1,265 acres. NYU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Notre Dame in NCAA D1.