Purdue University-Main Campus vs University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame is highly selective with a 12.4% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Purdue University-Main Campus (50.3%). Graduates of University of Notre Dame earn $27,556 more per year at the 10-year mark ($99,980 vs $72,424). For families earning $48k–$75k, Purdue University-Main Campus is more affordable at $8,948 net price vs $11,432.
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Notre Dame has a higher yield rate (59.1%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. University of Notre Dame has a higher median SAT (1500 vs 1320).
West Lafayette, IN
Notre Dame, IN
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Purdue University-Main Campus is more affordable at $4,927 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $21,130 vs $45,321.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Purdue University-Main Campus enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (13%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Purdue University-Main Campus
- 1 Computer Science$85,981
- 2 Construction Engineering$78,343
- 3 Computer Engineering$72,448
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$71,255
- 5 Industrial Engineering$70,057
University of Notre Dame
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$89,968
- 2 Finance and Financial Management Services$86,375
- 3 Mathematics and Statistics, Other$80,273
- 4 Computer Engineering$79,598
- 5 Chemical Engineering$76,460
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Purdue University-Main Campus
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Computer Engineering
- 4 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 5 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
University of Notre Dame
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 3 Economics
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Purdue University-Main Campus
- International students18%
- Tuition (international)$28,010
- Est. total cost/year$38,824
- School typePublic
University of Notre Dame
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$57,192
- Est. total cost/year$73,683
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 18% international enrollment, Purdue University-Main Campus likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Purdue University-Main Campus or University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame is more selective with a 12.4% acceptance rate, compared to 50.3%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Purdue University-Main Campus or University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $99,980 compared to $72,424. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Purdue University-Main Campus or University of Notre Dame?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Purdue University-Main Campus has a lower net price at $8,948 per year vs $11,432. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Purdue University-Main Campus vs University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 96.0%, compared to 83.1%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Purdue University-Main Campus or University of Notre Dame?
Purdue University-Main Campus has a larger international student population at 18% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Purdue University-Main Campus and University of Notre Dame?
At Purdue University-Main Campus, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $85,981 within two years. At University of Notre Dame, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $89,968. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.