Head-to-head · 2026
University of Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for University of Notre Dame, 5 for Vanderbilt University — Vanderbilt University 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 | University of Notre Dame | Vanderbilt University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.33 | 14.45 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $26,780 | $15,846 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $99,980 ✓ | $91,565 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.3% | 5.9% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 95.2% ✓ | 93.5% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $14,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 8,818 | 7,208 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1520 | 1549 ✓ |
| Wins | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Notre Dame costs $10,934 more per year than Vanderbilt University ($26,780 vs $15,846). University of Notre Dame graduates report $8,415 higher median earnings after ten years ($99,980 vs $91,565). On EduGradify's model that puts Vanderbilt University ahead on projected ROI (14.45 vs 9.33, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Vanderbilt University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Notre Dame is highly competitive at 11.3% acceptance versus 5.9% (highly competitive) at Vanderbilt University.
Frequently asked
University of Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Notre Dame or Vanderbilt University the better value?
Vanderbilt University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.45 vs 9.33), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Vanderbilt University is cheaper — average net price $15,846 per year vs $26,780 at University of Notre Dame. The annual difference of $10,934 adds up to about $43,736 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Notre Dame reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $99,980 vs $91,565 at Vanderbilt University. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,415.
Which school is harder to get into?
Vanderbilt University is more selective at 5.9% acceptance vs 11.3% at University of Notre Dame.
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. University of Notre Dame reports a B value grade; Vanderbilt University reports A.