At $27,823/yr net price, University of Notre Dame graduates earn $99,980/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $65,980/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,823 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $111,292 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $99,980/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$65,980/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 96.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,873/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,216/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,841/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,449/yr |
| $110,001+ | $46,879/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $123,601 | $48,563 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Doctoral | $108,092 | $41,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $89,968 | $19,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Doctoral | $89,674 | $42,692 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Doctoral | $87,754 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $86,375 | $19,000 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $85,243 | $128,413 |
| Mathematics and Statistics, Other. | Bachelor | $80,273 | $19,000 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $79,598 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $16,750 |
The Risk Factor
96.8% of students at University of Notre Dame graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Notre Dame delivers strong financial returns with median 10-year earnings near $100,000 and strongly low median debt of $19,000. The university's powerful alumni network and national brand recognition translate into high-paying career opportunities across multiple fields.
Business programs dominate the earnings rankings, with management graduates earning over $123,000 annually. However, business majors carry significantly higher debt loads, with some programs averaging over $40,000 in loans. Computer science offers the best debt-to-earnings ratio at the school, matching strong salaries with much lower borrowing levels. Engineering programs provide solid mid-range returns without excessive debt burdens.
Your biggest financial risk at Notre Dame is choosing a major outside the top-earning programs while still paying full private school prices. The school's 97% graduation rate minimizes completion risk, but you need to consider whether your intended field justifies the cost premium over state alternatives.
Notre Dame works best financially if you can secure substantial need-based aid or come from a family that can afford the full cost without heavy borrowing. The school meets demonstrated need well for qualifying families. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive given the high-achieving student body.
If you plan to pursue business, engineering, or computer science and can manage the costs through family resources or generous aid, Notre Dame provides excellent ROI. The combination of strong academics, extensive alumni connections, and relatively manageable debt levels creates favorable long-term financial outcomes for most graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Notre Dame worth the high tuition cost?
Notre Dame graduates earn $99,980 after 10 years with relatively low debt at $19,000 median, making the investment worthwhile for most students. The strong alumni network and 97% graduation rate help justify the cost, especially for business and engineering majors.
What majors at University of Notre Dame have the best return on investment?
Business Administration leads with $123,601 median earnings, followed by Management Sciences at $108,092. Computer Science and Finance also pay well at around $90,000, while some liberal arts majors may struggle to justify the cost.
How much financial aid does University of Notre Dame actually give students?
The average net price is $27,823 per year, which means Notre Dame provides significant aid to bring costs down from the full sticker price. However, this still represents a substantial investment for most families.
Do University of Notre Dame graduates have high student loan debt?
Notre Dame graduates have a median debt of $19,000, which is lower than many private universities. The combination of strong earning potential and manageable debt makes the school financially viable for most graduates.