Washington University in St Louis (WashU) vs Notre Dame

Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Notre Dame stand as two prestigious institutions of higher learning, each offering a unique educational experience. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects. Washington University boasts a lower acceptance rate, a more diverse student body, and a wider range of undergraduate majors. Notre Dame, on the other hand, has a stronger emphasis on Catholic traditions, a higher graduation rate, and a more vibrant athletic program. To help you make an informed decision about which university better aligns with your academic and personal goals, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting these and other important factors. Dive into the data to discover which institution is the perfect fit for your educational journey.

	University of Notre Dame	Washington University in St Louis
Overview
Location	Notre Dame, Indiana	Saint Louis, Missouri
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	98.0%	96.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	15.1%	13.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $45
SAT range	1410 - 1550	1490 - 1570
ACT range	32 - 35	33 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	33.0%	25.0%
Students submitting ACT score	36.0%	41.0%
Total number of applicants	23,642	33,634
Total number of admissions given out	3,562	4,373
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,059	1,980
Yield rate	57.8%	45.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$78,347	$81,620
Average net price	$30,513	$28,298
Tuition	$58,336	$57,750
Room & board	$16,304	Room/dormitory: $12,350 Meal plan: $5,550
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	57.0% Average amount $46,306	44.0% Average amount $51,288
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $4,134	14.0% Average amount $4,790
Students taking out private loans	12.0% Average amount $8,564	2.0% Average amount $25,095

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,973 Men 51.6% Women 48.4%	8,034 Men 46.4% Women 53.6%
Graduate students	4,166 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%	8,939 Men 47.6% Women 52.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	93.1%	88.2%
International students	12.1%	26.1%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	6,919	6,826
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Illinois California Texas Indiana New York	California Missouri New York Illinois Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Multidisciplinary Studies Social Sciences Legal Profession	Business Legal Profession Engineering Health Professions Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	7:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	95.9%	93.1%
Dropout rate	3.9%	6.5%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $124,439 Year 2: $123,601 Year 3: $135,572 Finance and Financial Management Services (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $89,269 Year 2: $89,674 Year 3: $126,773 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $120,074 Year 2: $108,092 Year 3: $123,182 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $87,638 Year 2: $85,243 Year 3: $110,135 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,593 Year 2: $89,968 Year 3: $105,831 Mathematics and Statistics, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,224 Year 2: $80,273 Year 3: $99,815 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,618 Year 2: $86,375 Year 3: $95,904 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,178 Year 2: $74,307 Year 3: $92,866 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,118 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $87,393 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,070 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $85,821	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $89,930 Year 2: $99,517 Year 3: $149,178 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,627 Year 2: $112,270 Year 3: $125,369 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,311 Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $123,261 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $90,605 Year 2: $80,755 Year 3: $115,101 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,604 Year 2: $85,538 Year 3: $96,865 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,886 Year 2: $67,995 Year 3: $82,126 Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $57,989 Year 2: $58,334 Year 3: $73,030 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,467 Year 2: $64,379 Year 3: $68,070 Public Health (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,193 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $66,777 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $67,699 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $66,289

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic differences between Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) and the University of Notre Dame?

WashU is renowned for its strong programs in medicine, law, and business, as well as its emphasis on research across various disciplines. Notre Dame excels in areas like theology, philosophy, and engineering, and has a particularly strong focus on undergraduate teaching and a more integrated core curriculum rooted in the liberal arts.
How does the campus environment differ between WashU and Notre Dame?

WashU's campus is known for its beautiful Collegiate Gothic architecture and a more urban feel, located in a suburban setting with easy access to the city of St. Louis. Notre Dame boasts a classic, picturesque campus with a strong sense of community and tradition, located in a more isolated, rural setting in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame's campus life is heavily influenced by its Catholic identity.
What is the student body like at each university?

Both universities attract high-achieving students. WashU's student body is generally considered to be more diverse in terms of background and interests, with a significant international student population. Notre Dame has a strong Catholic identity, which influences its student body, and fosters a close-knit community. Both schools have a strong emphasis on undergraduate education.
How do the social scenes compare at WashU and Notre Dame?

WashU offers a more diverse social scene, with a wide range of student organizations and activities, and easy access to the cultural attractions of St. Louis. Notre Dame's social life is heavily influenced by its strong sense of community, with a focus on campus events, athletics (especially football), and a more traditional social structure. The social scene at Notre Dame is often described as more unified.
What are the strengths of the career services at each university?

Both universities have excellent career services. WashU's career services are particularly strong in supporting students interested in business, law, and medicine, leveraging its location and alumni network in major cities. Notre Dame's career services are known for their strong alumni network and focus on helping students find jobs in various fields, with a particularly strong presence in finance and consulting.
How does the cost of attendance compare between WashU and Notre Dame?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is comparable at both universities. However, financial aid packages can vary depending on individual circumstances. Both universities are committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of admitted students.
What are the athletic programs like at WashU and Notre Dame?

WashU competes in Division III athletics, emphasizing a balance between academics and sports. Notre Dame is a Division I school with a nationally recognized athletic program, particularly in football, which plays a significant role in campus life and tradition. Notre Dame's athletic program is a major draw for many students.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

WashU's location in St. Louis provides students with access to a vibrant city with cultural attractions, internship opportunities, and a diverse population. Notre Dame's location in South Bend, Indiana, offers a more close-knit campus environment, with a strong sense of community and a focus on campus activities. The location influences the types of opportunities available to students.
What are the core values and traditions that define each university?

WashU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and a commitment to serving the community. Notre Dame is deeply rooted in its Catholic identity, with a strong emphasis on faith, service, and community. Both universities value intellectual curiosity and personal growth.
Which university is a better fit for me?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you are looking for a strong research university with a diverse student body and access to a major city, WashU might be a good choice. If you are seeking a close-knit community, a strong emphasis on tradition and faith, and a nationally recognized athletic program, Notre Dame could be a better fit. Consider your academic interests, social preferences, and career aspirations when making your decision.

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