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University of Notre Dame vs University of Texas at Austin

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

12.0% Notre Dame acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$108,092 UT Austin 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
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UT Austin saves $21,623
Notre Dame
$62,693
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate Notre Dame more selective
Notre Dame
12.0%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate Notre Dame higher
Notre Dame
97%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score Notre Dame higher
Notre Dame
1500
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary Notre Dame higher
Notre Dame
$80,200
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Notre Dame UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$62,693$41,070UT Austin
Tuition (In-State)$62,693$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$17,680$12,280UT Austin
Acceptance Rate12.0%29.0%Notre Dame
Graduation Rate97%87%Notre Dame
Average SAT15001370Notre Dame
Student-Faculty Ratio9:117:1Notre Dame
Enrollment13,13952,384-
Avg Financial Aid$42,380$14,990Notre Dame
Starting Salary$80,200$68,500Notre Dame
Endowment$20.3B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size1,265 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Notre Dame
$321,492
4-year total (private)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Notre Dame = $151,972 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Notre Dame Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringSciencePolitical ScienceEconomics

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Notre DameSuburban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
Notre Dame1,265 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
Notre DameNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
Notre DameMidwest
UT AustinSouth
Founded
Notre Dame1842
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
Notre Dame13,139
UT Austin52,384

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Notre Dame or UT Austin harder to get into?+
Notre Dame is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.0% compared to 29.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Notre Dame or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, UT Austin costs less over 4 years ($213,400 vs $321,492). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Notre Dame offers an average of $42,380/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Notre Dame and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at Notre Dame is 1500 and at UT Austin 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 UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Notre Dame have a higher average starting salary ($80,200 vs $68,500). 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 UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Notre Dame and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
Notre Dame is located in Notre Dame, Indiana (suburban setting) with a 1,265-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. Notre Dame competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.