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University of Minnesota 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% UMN acceptance
12.0% Notre Dame acceptance
$124,404 UMN cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UMN
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
54,890
Setting
Urban
Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
Private
Founded
1842
Enrollment
13,139
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UMN saves $26,291
UMN
$36,402
Notre Dame
$62,693
Acceptance Rate Notre Dame more selective
UMN
75.0%
Notre Dame
12.0%
Graduation Rate Notre Dame higher
UMN
83%
Notre Dame
97%
Avg SAT Score Notre Dame higher
UMN
1370
Notre Dame
1500
Starting Salary Notre Dame higher
UMN
$64,800
Notre Dame
$80,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric UMN Notre Dame Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,402$62,693UMN
Tuition (In-State)$15,588$62,693UMN
Room & Board$12,870$17,680UMN
Acceptance Rate75.0%12.0%Notre Dame
Graduation Rate83%97%Notre Dame
Average SAT13701500Notre Dame
Student-Faculty Ratio17:19:1Notre Dame
Enrollment54,89013,139-
Avg Financial Aid$15,100$42,380Notre Dame
Starting Salary$64,800$80,200Notre Dame
Endowment$4.4B$20.3BNotre Dame
Campus Size1,204 acres1,265 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UMN
$197,088
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Notre Dame
$321,492
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UMN = $136,688 | Notre Dame = $151,972. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UMN Top Majors

PsychologyBiologyEngineeringComputer ScienceBusiness

Notre Dame Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringSciencePolitical ScienceEconomics

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UMNUrban
Notre DameSuburban
Campus Size
UMN1,204 ac
Notre Dame1,265 ac
Athletics
UMNNCAA D1
Notre DameNCAA D1
Region
UMNMidwest
Notre DameMidwest
Founded
UMN1851
Notre Dame1842
Enrollment
UMN54,890
Notre Dame13,139

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UMN 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, UMN or Notre Dame?+
At sticker price, UMN costs less over 4 years ($197,088 vs $321,492). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UMN offers an average of $15,100/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 UMN and Notre Dame?+
The average SAT score at UMN is 1370 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 UMN or Notre Dame graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Notre Dame have a higher average starting salary ($80,200 vs $64,800). 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?+
UMN 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 UMN and Notre Dame compare for campus life?+
UMN is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota (urban setting) with a 1,204-acre campus. Notre Dame is in Notre Dame, Indiana (suburban setting) with 1,265 acres. UMN competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Notre Dame in NCAA D1.