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University of Georgia vs University of Notre Dame

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

39.0% UGA acceptance
12.0% Notre Dame acceptance
$148,652 UGA cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban
Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
Private
Founded
1842
Enrollment
13,139
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $31,573
UGA
$31,120
Notre Dame
$62,693
Acceptance Rate Notre Dame more selective
UGA
39.0%
Notre Dame
12.0%
Graduation Rate Notre Dame higher
UGA
88%
Notre Dame
97%
Avg SAT Score Notre Dame higher
UGA
1340
Notre Dame
1500
Starting Salary Notre Dame higher
UGA
$58,700
Notre Dame
$80,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric UGA Notre Dame Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,120$62,693UGA
Tuition (In-State)$12,080$62,693UGA
Room & Board$12,090$17,680UGA
Acceptance Rate39.0%12.0%Notre Dame
Graduation Rate88%97%Notre Dame
Average SAT13401500Notre Dame
Student-Faculty Ratio17:19:1Notre Dame
Enrollment41,65213,139-
Avg Financial Aid$12,980$42,380Notre Dame
Starting Salary$58,700$80,200Notre Dame
Endowment$2.0B$20.3BNotre Dame
Campus Size762 acres1,265 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Notre Dame
$321,492
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UGA = $120,920 | Notre Dame = $151,972. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Notre Dame Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringSciencePolitical ScienceEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UGASuburban
Notre DameSuburban
Campus Size
UGA762 ac
Notre Dame1,265 ac
Athletics
UGANCAA D1
Notre DameNCAA D1
Region
UGASouth
Notre DameMidwest
Founded
UGA1785
Notre Dame1842
Enrollment
UGA41,652
Notre Dame13,139

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UGA or Notre Dame harder to get into?+
Notre Dame is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.0% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UGA or Notre Dame?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $321,492). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UGA offers an average of $12,980/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 UGA and Notre Dame?+
The average SAT score at UGA is 1340 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 UGA or Notre Dame graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Notre Dame have a higher average starting salary ($80,200 vs $58,700). 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?+
UGA has a 17:1 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 UGA and Notre Dame compare for campus life?+
UGA is located in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with a 762-acre campus. Notre Dame is in Notre Dame, Indiana (suburban setting) with 1,265 acres. UGA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Notre Dame in NCAA D1.