Choosing the right college can be a challenging task. To help ease the decision-making process, we have compared two renowned institutions, Notre Dame and Amherst. This comparison covers various aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes. Read on to find out which school may be the best fit for you.
Notre Dame Overview
The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842, is a private Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, Indiana. With a strong commitment to academics and research, the university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines.
Notre Dame Costs & Tuition
Notre Dame’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $57,934. Additional expenses such as room and board, books, and transportation bring the total cost of attendance to around $76,000 per year. However, the university is committed to providing financial aid to students, with over 65% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance.
Notre Dame Admissions
Admission to Notre Dame is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 17%. The university requires applicants to submit either their SAT or ACT scores, along with a high school transcript, recommendation letters, and essays. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1400-1550 on their SATs and 33-35 on their ACTs.
Notre Dame Degrees Offered
Notre Dame offers over 75 undergraduate majors, as well as numerous graduate and professional degree programs. Some popular majors include Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Notre Dame Academics
Notre Dame is known for its rigorous academic programs, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. The university emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation and offers various opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad experiences.
Notre Dame Diversity
Notre Dame’s student body is composed of students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering various resources and support services to promote an inclusive learning environment.
Notre Dame Students
Notre Dame has a total enrollment of around 12,000 students, with approximately 8,600 undergraduates. The university’s campus life is vibrant, with over 400 clubs and organizations for students to participate in, as well as a strong athletics program.
Notre Dame Campus
Notre Dame’s picturesque campus spans 1,250 acres and is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Dome, the Basilica, and the Grotto. The campus offers various amenities, including state-of-the-art academic and research facilities, residence halls, and recreational spaces.
Notre Dame Alumni
Notre Dame has a strong alumni network, with over 140,000 members worldwide. Graduates of the university have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including business, government, education, and the arts.
Notre Dame Rankings
Notre Dame consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Notre Dame is ranked 19th among National Universities.
Notre Dame Outcomes
Graduates of Notre Dame have a strong track record of success, with a reported 90% of recent graduates finding employment or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Notre Dame graduates is around $61,000.
Amherst Overview
Amherst College, founded in 1821, is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Known for its strong commitment to academics and undergraduate education, Amherst offers a broad range of degree programs across disciplines.
Amherst Costs & Tuition
Amherst’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $60,890. Additional costs, such as room and board, books, and transportation, bring the total cost of attendance to around $77,000 per year. However, Amherst is committed to providing financial aid to students, with nearly 60% of students receiving need-based aid.
Amherst Admissions
Admission to Amherst is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 13%. The college requires applicants to submit either their SAT or ACT scores, along with a high school transcript, recommendation letters, and essays. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1440-1560 on their SATs and 33-35 on their ACTs.
Amherst Degrees Offered
Amherst offers over 40 majors, along with interdisciplinary and special programs. Some popular majors include Biology, Economics, English, Political Science, and Psychology.
Amherst Academics
Amherst is known for its strong academic programs, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1. The college emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation and offers a flexible curriculum, allowing students to explore various disciplines.
Amherst Diversity
Amherst’s student body is composed of students from all 50 states and over 50 countries. The college is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering various resources and support services to promote an inclusive learning environment.
Amherst Students
Amherst has a total enrollment of around 1,800 students, making it a small, close-knit community. The college offers a vibrant campus life, with over 200 clubs and organizations, as well as a strong athletics program.
Amherst Campus
Amherst’s scenic campus spans 1,000 acres and features various amenities, including state-of-the-art academic and research facilities, residence halls, and recreational spaces. The campus is located within the Five College Consortium, allowing students access to resources from other nearby institutions.
Amherst Alumni
Amherst has a strong alumni network, with over 23,000 members worldwide. Graduates of the college have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including business, government, education, and the arts.
Amherst Rankings
Amherst consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Amherst is ranked 2nd among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Amherst Outcomes
Graduates of Amherst have a strong track record of success, with a reported 89% of recent graduates finding employment or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Amherst graduates is around $60,000.
Notre Dame vs Amherst Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attendance for Notre Dame and Amherst, both schools have a similar price tag, with total expenses for the 2021-2022 academic year at around $76,000 and $77,000, respectively. However, both institutions are committed to providing financial aid to students, with over 60% of students at each school receiving some form of assistance. Ultimately, the net price will depend on each student’s financial situation and the aid package they receive.
Notre Dame vs Amherst Admissions Difficulty
Both Notre Dame and Amherst have highly competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of around 17% and 13%, respectively. The middle 50% of admitted students at both schools scored similarly on their SATs and ACTs. Prospective students should be aware that admission to either institution will be challenging and require strong academic and extracurricular profiles.
Notre Dame vs Amherst Academic Difficulty
Notre Dame and Amherst are both renowned for their rigorous academic programs. Both schools emphasize a strong liberal arts foundation and offer numerous opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad experiences. The student-to-faculty ratios at both institutions are low, which allows for personalized attention and support from faculty members. Students at either school can expect to be challenged academically and have access to a wide range of resources to support their success.
Notre Dame vs Amherst Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Notre Dame and Amherst have strong outcomes, with 90% of Notre Dame graduates and 89% of Amherst graduates finding employment or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salaries for graduates from both schools are also similar, at around $61,000 for Notre Dame and $60,000 for Amherst. Ultimately, both schools have a strong track record of preparing students for success in their chosen fields.
