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University of Maryland vs University of Notre Dame

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

44.0% Maryland acceptance
12.0% Notre Dame acceptance
$102,932 Maryland cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban
Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
Private
Founded
1842
Enrollment
13,139
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Maryland saves $22,387
Maryland
$40,306
Notre Dame
$62,693
Acceptance Rate Notre Dame more selective
Maryland
44.0%
Notre Dame
12.0%
Graduation Rate Notre Dame higher
Maryland
88%
Notre Dame
97%
Avg SAT Score Notre Dame higher
Maryland
1410
Notre Dame
1500
Starting Salary Notre Dame higher
Maryland
$70,900
Notre Dame
$80,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Maryland Notre Dame Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,306$62,693Maryland
Tuition (In-State)$11,505$62,693Maryland
Room & Board$14,334$17,680Maryland
Acceptance Rate44.0%12.0%Notre Dame
Graduation Rate88%97%Notre Dame
Average SAT14101500Notre Dame
Student-Faculty Ratio18:19:1Notre Dame
Enrollment41,20013,139-
Avg Financial Aid$14,200$42,380Notre Dame
Starting Salary$70,900$80,200Notre Dame
Endowment$2.3B$20.3BNotre Dame
Campus Size1,335 acres1,265 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Notre Dame
$321,492
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Maryland = $161,760 | Notre Dame = $151,972. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Notre Dame Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringSciencePolitical ScienceEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MarylandSuburban
Notre DameSuburban
Campus Size
Maryland1,335 ac
Notre Dame1,265 ac
Athletics
MarylandNCAA D1
Notre DameNCAA D1
Region
MarylandNortheast
Notre DameMidwest
Founded
Maryland1856
Notre Dame1842
Enrollment
Maryland41,200
Notre Dame13,139

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maryland or Notre Dame harder to get into?+
Notre Dame is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.0% compared to 44.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Maryland or Notre Dame?+
At sticker price, Maryland costs less over 4 years ($218,560 vs $321,492). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Maryland offers an average of $14,200/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 Maryland and Notre Dame?+
The average SAT score at Maryland is 1410 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 Maryland or Notre Dame graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Notre Dame have a higher average starting salary ($80,200 vs $70,900). 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?+
Maryland has a 18:1 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 Maryland and Notre Dame compare for campus life?+
Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with a 1,335-acre campus. Notre Dame is in Notre Dame, Indiana (suburban setting) with 1,265 acres. Maryland competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Notre Dame in NCAA D1.