Head-to-head · 2026
Purdue University Northwest vs University of Notre Dame
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Purdue University Northwest, 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 Northwest | University of Notre Dame |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 19.87 ✓ | 9.33 |
| Avg net price | $6,079 ✓ | $26,780 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $48,318 | $99,980 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% | 11.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 42.9% | 95.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,229 | $19,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 5,671 | 8,818 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1024 | 1520 ✓ |
| Wins | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Notre Dame costs $20,701 more per year than Purdue University Northwest ($26,780 vs $6,079). University of Notre Dame graduates report $51,662 higher median earnings after ten years ($99,980 vs $48,318). On EduGradify's model that puts Purdue University Northwest ahead on projected ROI (19.87 vs 9.33, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Purdue University Northwest) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Purdue University Northwest is accessible at 72.4% acceptance versus 11.3% (highly competitive) at University of Notre Dame.
Frequently asked
Purdue University Northwest vs University of Notre Dame, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Purdue University Northwest or University of Notre Dame the better value?
Purdue University Northwest has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.87 vs 9.33), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Purdue University Northwest is cheaper — average net price $6,079 per year vs $26,780 at University of Notre Dame. The annual difference of $20,701 adds up to about $82,804 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Notre Dame reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $99,980 vs $48,318 at Purdue University Northwest. The annual gap in the federal data is $51,662.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Notre Dame is more selective at 11.3% acceptance vs 72.4% at Purdue University Northwest.
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 Northwest reports a A+ value grade; University of Notre Dame reports B.