College Comparison
University of Notre Dame vs Penn State: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Notre Dame | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 12.4%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1540wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,693 | $40,188wins |
| Avg Net Price | $27,823wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $99,980wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.8%wins | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 98.2%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 8,923 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Notre Dame edges out Penn State on 8 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Notre Dame Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 12.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1540
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $27,823
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
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