Head-to-head · 2026
Purdue University-Main Campus vs University of Notre Dame
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Purdue University-Main Campus, 5 for University of Notre Dame — University of Notre Dame has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Purdue University-Main Campus | University of Notre Dame |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.40 ✓ | 9.33 |
| Avg net price | $14,600 ✓ | $26,780 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $72,424 | $99,980 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 49.9% | 11.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 83.1% | 95.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $19,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 44,503 | 8,818 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1364 | 1520 ✓ |
| Wins | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Notre Dame costs $12,180 more per year than Purdue University-Main Campus ($26,780 vs $14,600). University of Notre Dame graduates report $27,556 higher median earnings after ten years ($99,980 vs $72,424). On EduGradify's model that puts Purdue University-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (12.40 vs 9.33, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Purdue University-Main Campus) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Purdue University-Main Campus is selective at 49.9% acceptance versus 11.3% (highly competitive) at University of Notre Dame.
Frequently asked
Purdue University-Main Campus vs University of Notre Dame, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Purdue University-Main Campus or University of Notre Dame the better value?
Purdue University-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.40 vs 9.33), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Purdue University-Main Campus is cheaper — average net price $14,600 per year vs $26,780 at University of Notre Dame. The annual difference of $12,180 adds up to about $48,720 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Notre Dame reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $99,980 vs $72,424 at Purdue University-Main Campus. The annual gap in the federal data is $27,556.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Notre Dame is more selective at 11.3% acceptance vs 49.9% at Purdue University-Main Campus.
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. Purdue University-Main Campus reports a A value grade; University of Notre Dame reports B.