Head-to-head · 2026
Indiana University-South Bend vs University of Notre Dame
Compare average net price ($8,653 at Indiana University-South Bend; $26,780 at University of Notre Dame), ROI score (12.99 vs 9.33), ten-year median earnings ($44,947 vs $99,980), and admissions selectivity (83.8% acceptance at Indiana University-South Bend; 11.3% at University of Notre Dame) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Notre Dame has a 5-2 metric-level edge. Indiana University-South Bend leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Indiana University-South Bend | University of Notre Dame |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.99 ✓ | 9.33 |
| Avg net price | $8,653 ✓ | $26,780 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,947 | $99,980 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 83.8% | 11.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 40.1% | 95.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,355 | $19,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,933 | 8,818 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1081 | 1520 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Notre Dame costs $18,127 more per year than Indiana University-South Bend ($26,780 vs $8,653). University of Notre Dame graduates report $55,033 higher median earnings after ten years ($99,980 vs $44,947). On EduGradify's model that puts Indiana University-South Bend ahead on projected ROI (12.99 vs 9.33, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Indiana University-South Bend) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Indiana University-South Bend is accessible at 83.8% acceptance versus 11.3% (highly competitive) at University of Notre Dame.
Frequently asked
Indiana University-South Bend vs University of Notre Dame, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Indiana University-South Bend or University of Notre Dame the better value?
Indiana University-South Bend has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.99 vs 9.33), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Indiana University-South Bend is cheaper — average net price $8,653 per year vs $26,780 at University of Notre Dame. The annual difference of $18,127 adds up to about $72,508 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Notre Dame reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $99,980 vs $44,947 at Indiana University-South Bend. The annual gap in the federal data is $55,033.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Notre Dame is more selective at 11.3% acceptance vs 83.8% at Indiana University-South Bend.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Indiana University-South Bend reports a A value grade; University of Notre Dame reports B.