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University of Notre Dame vs University of Pittsburgh

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

12.0% Notre Dame acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$117,644 Pitt cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
Private
Founded
1842
Enrollment
13,139
Setting
Suburban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $25,361
Notre Dame
$62,693
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Notre Dame more selective
Notre Dame
12.0%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Notre Dame higher
Notre Dame
97%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Notre Dame higher
Notre Dame
1500
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Notre Dame higher
Notre Dame
$80,200
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Notre Dame Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$62,693$37,332Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$62,693$21,080Pitt
Room & Board$17,680$13,630Pitt
Acceptance Rate12.0%42.0%Notre Dame
Graduation Rate97%83%Notre Dame
Average SAT15001370Notre Dame
Student-Faculty Ratio9:114:1Notre Dame
Enrollment13,13934,163-
Avg Financial Aid$42,380$15,600Notre Dame
Starting Salary$80,200$64,600Notre Dame
Endowment$20.3B$5.6BNotre Dame
Campus Size1,265 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Notre Dame
$321,492
4-year total (private)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Notre Dame = $151,972 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Notre Dame Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringSciencePolitical ScienceEconomics

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Notre DameSuburban
PittUrban
Campus Size
Notre Dame1,265 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
Notre DameNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
Notre DameMidwest
PittNortheast
Founded
Notre Dame1842
Pitt1787
Enrollment
Notre Dame13,139
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Notre Dame or Pitt harder to get into?+
Notre Dame is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.0% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Notre Dame or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $321,492). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Notre Dame offers an average of $42,380/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Notre Dame and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at Notre Dame is 1500 and at Pitt it is 1370. 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 Notre Dame or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Notre Dame have a higher average starting salary ($80,200 vs $64,600). 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?+
Notre Dame has a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Pitt has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Notre Dame and Pitt compare for campus life?+
Notre Dame is located in Notre Dame, Indiana (suburban setting) with a 1,265-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. Notre Dame competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.