NYU vs Notre Dame: Which Top School Is Better?

NYU vs Notre Dame is one of the biggest face-offs when it comes to choosing between top colleges. Both schools have strong academics, big reputations, and passionate student bodies, but they offer two very different college experiences.

In this guide, you’ll get a full breakdown of everything that matters: acceptance rates, rankings, academic structure, campus life, cost, and financial aid. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which school fits you best and what steps to take to make your application stand out.

• NYU vs Notre Dame: Acceptance Rates
• NYU vs Notre Dame: Rankings
• NYU vs Notre Dame: Academics
• NYU vs Notre Dame: Campus Life
• NYU vs Notre Dame: Cost of Attendance
• NYU vs Notre Dame: Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Final Verdict
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

NYU vs Notre Dame: Acceptance Rates

When you are deciding between NYU and Notre Dame, one of the clearest ways to compare them is by looking at acceptance rates. These numbers help you see how competitive each school is and what your chances might look like based on recent application trends.

Here are the latest stats for the Class of 2029:

Based on these numbers, NYU is more selective than Notre Dame. NYU received 120,000 applications and accepted 9,240 students, giving you an acceptance rate of 7.7%. Notre Dame had fewer applicants, 35,40,1, and accepted 3,186 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 9%.

Here is a quick look at how acceptance rates have changed over the past three years:

• NYU’s acceptance rate was 9.4% for the Class of 2027, 8% for the Class of 2028, and 7.7% for the Class of 2029. The school continues to attract more applicants each year, which makes it more selective over time.
• Notre Dame’s acceptance rate was 12.4% for the Class of 2027, 11.1% for the Class of 2028, and 9% for the Class of 2029. This steady drop shows that Notre Dame is becoming more competitive, even with a smaller applicant pool.

Bottom line? NYU is more selective overall and receives a much higher number of applications. If you are aiming for either school, you will need more than just good grades. Focus on making your application stand out with strong academics, clear goals, and a personal story that fits the values of each campus.

NYU vs Notre Dame: Rankings

While rankings should not be the only thing you consider, they do help you compare top schools like NYU and Notre Dame. Rankings give you a quick look at how schools stack up when it comes to academics, research, reputation, and job outcomes after graduation.

Here is how NYU and Notre Dame compare across three major ranking systems:

U.S. News (National Rankings)

• NYU: #30
• Notre Dame: #18

In the U.S. News national rankings, Notre Dame is ranked 18th and NYU is ranked 30th. That gives Notre Dame a stronger position when it comes to factors like graduation rates, faculty resources, and academic reputation in the United States. Both schools are well respected, but Notre Dame comes out ahead in national visibility.

Takeaway: If you care most about national academic reputation, Notre Dame has the edge.

Times Higher Education (World University Rankings)

• NYU: #33
• Notre Dame: #196

The Times Higher Education rankings focus on research impact, global partnerships, and teaching quality. NYU ranks 33rd in the world, which reflects its global reach and academic influence. Notre Dame is ranked 196th, which is still solid but does not carry the same international weight.

Takeaway: If you are thinking about global opportunities or working abroad one day, NYU has a much stronger international profile.

QS World University Rankings

• NYU: #55
• Notre Dame: #316

The QS rankings place a lot of weight on employer reputation, academic performance, and international diversity. NYU comes in at 55th in the world, which shows that it is well known and respected around the globe. Notre Dame ranks 316th, which is much lower in terms of international recognition.

Takeaway: If your future goals include international work or grad school, NYU gives you more name recognition worldwide.

NYU vs Notre Dame: Academics

NYU and Notre Dame both offer strong academics, but your experience at each will feel very different. If you are deciding between them, think about the kind of academic structure that motivates you and how much flexibility you want in choosing classes.

NYU Academics

At NYU, the College Core Curriculum gives you a broad foundation in liberal arts and sciences. You will take courses in expository writing, science, culture, and a foreign language. The structure is clear, but you still have choices in the types of classes you take to meet the requirements. 

Popular majors at NYU include:

• Film and acting
• Business
• Psychology
• Politics and international relations
• Journalism

The student-to-faculty ratio at NYU is 8:1, and 59% of classes have fewer than 20 students. You might start with a few large lectures, but most of your upper-level classes will be smaller and more discussion-based.

Notre Dame Academics

Notre Dame’s Core Curriculum is rooted in Catholic liberal arts education, but it gives you flexibility across subjects. You complete courses in theology, philosophy, writing, science, and more, but you have several options for how to meet each requirement. The curriculum is called “Ways of Knowing,” and it encourages you to think across disciplines. 

Top majors at Notre Dame include:

• Accountancy
• Marketing
• Engineering
• Political Science
• Mathematics

Notre Dame has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, and 62% of classes have fewer than 20 students. The smaller class sizes help you build strong relationships with professors and stay active in discussions.

Still deciding between NYU and Notre Dame? Our Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation & Roadmap gives you the clarity you need. In one in-depth session, you’ll receive expert feedback on your current profile and a personalized strategy to build a competitive edge throughout high school, whether your path leads to NYU’s global academic scene or Notre Dame’s values-driven curriculum.

NYU vs Notre Dame: Campus Life

NYU and Notre Dame offer two very different versions of student life: one rooted in the heart of New York City, the other in a traditional college town with deep community ties. Here’s how they compare:

NYU campus life

Being an NYU student places you right in the middle of Manhattan. First-year students usually stay in residence halls near Greenwich Village or Brooklyn Heights, giving you quick access to campus buildings and local spots.

Here’s what life looks like at NYU:

• You can join over 300 student-run clubs focused on everything from business to film to niche hobbies. If your interest is not represented, you can create your group and build a community around it.
• The university offers three main fitness centers with equipment, courts, and classes. You can work out between classes or join activities like yoga, Zumba, or personal training.
• Around 9,000 students participate in intramural sports each year, including dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball. If you want more commitment, you can also explore NYU’s 24 club sports teams.
• Campus dining includes options across Manhattan and Brooklyn with flexible meal plans. As you move through college, you also have support if you decide to live off-campus.

Notre Dame campus life

Notre Dame gives you a complete residential college experience. Most students live on campus all four years in one of 32 residence halls, each with its own culture and community feel.

Here’s what to expect at Notre Dame:

• Residence halls play a big part in student life, offering weekly events, hall competitions, and shared traditions. Each dorm has its own identity, giving you a strong connection to the people around you.
• With over 500 student clubs, you’ll find plenty of ways to get involved. You can focus on leadership, service, performing arts, student media, or cultural groups.
• Five recreation centers give you space to stay active with fitness equipment, swimming pools, and group exercise classes. Whether you’re into weightlifting or intramurals, there’s something for everyone.
• The campus is known for its beauty, with Gothic-style buildings (think Hogwarts), scenic lakes, and the famous Golden Dome. Dining is convenient with more than two dozen locations across campus to meet up with friends or grab a quick meal.

NYU vs Notre Dame: Cost of Attendance

Paying for college is one of the biggest financial decisions you and your family will face. When you’re choosing between schools like NYU and Notre Dame, it helps to look closely at the full cost of attendance so you know exactly what to expect each year.

Here is what one year at each school might cost you:

Here is how NYU’s total of $96,988 adds up:

• $65,622 for tuition
• $25,516 for housing and food combined
• $1,470 for books and supplies
• $2,366 for transportation
• $2,014 for personal expenses

Here is how Notre Dame’s total of $89,245 breaks down:

• $67,607 for tuition and fees
• $18,438 for housing and food
• $1,250 for books and supplies
• $750 for transportation
• $1,200 for personal expenses

NYU costs $7,743 more per year than Notre Dame. Over four years, that adds up to a total difference of $30,972. When comparing schools, take the time to consider your complete financial picture, including the amount of aid you might qualify for, as well as the kind of experience each campus offers in return for the cost.

NYU vs Notre Dame: Financial Aid and Scholarships

College is a big investment, and both NYU and Notre Dame know that most students need support to make it work. Each school offers a mix of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, student jobs, and in some cases, loans. Understanding how each school handles aid can help you figure out what kind of support you might actually get.

NYU financial aid and scholarships

At NYU, nearly half of all undergraduates receive financial aid. In the 2022–2023 school year, 13,508 students got aid, with an average package of $40,263.

Here is what financial aid looks like at NYU:

• Grants and scholarships can come from NYU, government programs, or outside sources. These do not need to be repaid and help bring down your total cost.
• Federal loans are available to most students and usually offer lower interest rates and flexible repayment after you graduate.
• Private loans can help cover anything your other aid does not. These come from banks or lenders and have different terms depending on who you borrow from.
• Work-study jobs are available through federal programs. You can earn money during the school year by working part-time at approved on-campus or local jobs.
• Outside scholarships that you apply for on your own can be added to your NYU aid. These awards usually help reduce loans or work expectations first.

To apply for aid at NYU, you need to submit both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.

Notre Dame financial aid and scholarships

Notre Dame meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need and does not include loans in their financial aid packages. That means if you qualify, your full need is covered through grants, scholarships, and student employment instead of debt.

Here is what financial aid looks like at Notre Dame:

• The median need-based scholarship for first-year students is around $63,500. These scholarships come from institutional and federal sources and do not need to be repaid.
• Merit scholarships are limited, but some are available for high-achieving students. Most financial aid is based on demonstrated need rather than academics or test scores.
• Student employment options let you work part-time to help cover personal expenses. Many students work on campus in roles that fit around their class schedules.
• Notre Dame is now need-blind for international students. That means your ability to pay has no impact on your admission decision, no matter where you are from.

To be considered for aid at Notre Dame, you will also need to complete the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.

Final Verdict

Choosing between NYU and Notre Dame really comes down to what kind of college experience you want and what environment helps you thrive. Both are top-tier schools, but they offer very different paths.

• Choose NYU if you want to live in the middle of a fast-paced city filled with real-world learning, global culture, and nonstop energy. You will be surrounded by professional opportunities, top internships, and international connections that start the moment you arrive. NYU also shines on a global scale, so if you are thinking about working or studying abroad, that global name recognition can be a big plus.
• Choose Notre Dame if you are looking for a close community, a classic college campus, and a values-driven education. You will live in one of 32 unique residence halls, stay connected with your dorm all four years, and be part of traditions that students take seriously. Notre Dame also covers 100% of your demonstrated need without loans, which can really ease the pressure of paying for college.

Both schools are highly competitive and attract driven, curious students who want to make an impact. NYU receives far more applications and is more selective overall, but both have strong academics, great professors, and passionate communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is harder to get into?

NYU is harder to get into than Notre Dame based on the latest acceptance rates. For the Class of 2029, NYU had a 7.7% acceptance rate after reviewing 120,000 applications, while Notre Dame accepted 9% of its 35,401 applicants. The numbers show that NYU is more selective overall, especially as its application volume keeps rising each year.

2. Which is more affordable?

Notre Dame is more affordable than NYU. The total cost of attendance at Notre Dame is $89,245 per year, while NYU’s total comes to $96,988. That makes NYU $7,743 more expensive annually, or $30,972 more over four years.

3. Which is better overall?

Both NYU and Notre Dame are excellent schools, but the better choice for you depends on what kind of college experience you want. NYU offers global name recognition, unmatched access to internships, and a city-based campus filled with diversity and professional energy. Notre Dame provides a stronger U.S. News ranking, a tight residential community, and financial aid that meets 100% of demonstrated need without loans, which is a big deal if you are focused on affordability and tradition.

Takeaways

• NYU is slightly more selective than Notre Dame, with a 7.7% acceptance rate compared to Notre Dame’s 9%.
• If global reputation matters, NYU has the edge internationally. It ranks #35 in U.S. News, #31 in Times Higher Ed, and #38 in QS World. Notre Dame ranks higher in U.S. News at #20 but falls to #165 and #304 in the international lists.
• Notre Dame is more affordable than NYU, with a yearly cost difference of $7,743 and a financial aid policy that covers 100% of your demonstrated need without loans.
• If you want nonstop energy in the middle of a major city, go with NYU. If you prefer a traditional, values-focused campus where you live in the same dorm all four years, then Notre Dame is the better fit.
• Connect with a college admissions expert who will help you craft a standout application that aligns with what each school values most.