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University of Notre Dame vs Virginia Tech

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

12.0% Notre Dame acceptance
57.0% Virginia Tech acceptance
$131,932 Virginia Tech 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
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Founded
1872
Enrollment
38,167
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition Virginia Tech saves $26,603
Notre Dame
$62,693
Virginia Tech
$36,090
Acceptance Rate Notre Dame more selective
Notre Dame
12.0%
Virginia Tech
57.0%
Graduation Rate Notre Dame higher
Notre Dame
97%
Virginia Tech
85%
Avg SAT Score Notre Dame higher
Notre Dame
1500
Virginia Tech
1330
Starting Salary Notre Dame higher
Notre Dame
$80,200
Virginia Tech
$68,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Notre Dame Virginia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$62,693$36,090Virginia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$62,693$15,478Virginia Tech
Room & Board$17,680$11,300Virginia Tech
Acceptance Rate12.0%57.0%Notre Dame
Graduation Rate97%85%Notre Dame
Average SAT15001330Notre Dame
Student-Faculty Ratio9:114:1Notre Dame
Enrollment13,13938,167-
Avg Financial Aid$42,380$12,800Notre Dame
Starting Salary$80,200$68,800Notre Dame
Endowment$20.3B$2.0BNotre Dame
Campus Size1,265 acres2,600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Notre Dame
$321,492
4-year total (private)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Notre Dame = $151,972 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Notre Dame Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringSciencePolitical ScienceEconomics

Virginia Tech Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Notre DameSuburban
Virginia TechRural
Campus Size
Notre Dame1,265 ac
Virginia Tech2,600 ac
Athletics
Notre DameNCAA D1
Virginia TechNCAA D1
Region
Notre DameMidwest
Virginia TechSouth
Founded
Notre Dame1842
Virginia Tech1872
Enrollment
Notre Dame13,139
Virginia Tech38,167

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Notre Dame or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
Notre Dame is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.0% compared to 57.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Notre Dame or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, Virginia Tech costs less over 4 years ($189,560 vs $321,492). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Notre Dame offers an average of $42,380/year in aid while Virginia Tech offers $12,800/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Notre Dame and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at Notre Dame is 1500 and at Virginia Tech it is 1330. 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 Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Notre Dame have a higher average starting salary ($80,200 vs $68,800). 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?+
Notre Dame has a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Virginia Tech has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Notre Dame and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
Notre Dame is located in Notre Dame, Indiana (suburban setting) with a 1,265-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. Notre Dame competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.