When it comes to choosing a college, students often compare several factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, academic quality, and potential outcomes. In this analysis, we will compare two renowned universities in Indiana: Notre Dame and Purdue-West Lafayette. In each section, we will discuss relevant factors to help you make an informed decision about which university might be the best fit for you.
Notre Dame Overview
The University of Notre Dame is a private, Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, Indiana. The institution is renowned for its strong emphasis on academics, athletics, and community engagement. Founded in 1842, Notre Dame offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across various disciplines.
Notre Dame Costs & Tuition
As a private university, Notre Dame has a higher tuition cost compared to public institutions. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for undergraduate students is $74,193, which includes tuition, room and board, books, and other fees.
Notre Dame Admissions
Admission to Notre Dame is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 15%. Prospective students should have a strong academic record, extracurricular involvement, and a well-rounded application to increase their chances of acceptance.
Notre Dame Degrees Offered
Notre Dame offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its various colleges and schools. Some of the most popular majors include finance, mechanical engineering, political science, and marketing.
Notre Dame Academics
Notre Dame is known for its rigorous academic environment and commitment to excellence in teaching and research. The university boasts a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, allowing for personalized attention and an engaging learning experience.
Notre Dame Diversity
Notre Dame has a diverse student population, with students hailing from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of its community.
Notre Dame Students
Notre Dame has a total enrollment of approximately 12,700 students, with around 8,600 undergraduate students and 4,100 graduate and professional students. The campus environment is vibrant, with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities for students to participate in.
Notre Dame Campus
The Notre Dame campus spans 1,250 acres and is characterized by its iconic architecture, beautiful landscaping, and numerous landmarks such as the Golden Dome, Touchdown Jesus, and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. On-campus housing is available for all undergraduate students, fostering a strong sense of community.
Notre Dame Alumni
Notre Dame has a vast network of over 150,000 alumni worldwide, many of whom have achieved significant success in their respective fields. Notable alumni include former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former NFL player Joe Montana, and television personality Regis Philbin.
Notre Dame Rankings
Notre Dame consistently ranks highly in various national and international university rankings. In the 2021 US News & World Report rankings, Notre Dame is ranked 19th among national universities in the United States.
Notre Dame Outcomes
Graduates of Notre Dame have a strong track record of success, with a placement rate of over 90% within six months of graduation. The university also offers robust career services and networking opportunities to support students in their post-graduation pursuits.
Purdue-West Lafayette Overview
Purdue University-West Lafayette is a public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Established in 1869, Purdue is well-known for its engineering, agriculture, and business programs. The university offers over 200 undergraduate majors and over 80 graduate programs across its various colleges and schools.
Purdue-West Lafayette Costs & Tuition
As a public institution, Purdue-West Lafayette has a lower cost of attendance compared to private universities like Notre Dame. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for in-state undergraduate students is $23,468, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $43,994. This includes tuition, room and board, books, and other fees.
Purdue-West Lafayette Admissions
Admission to Purdue-West Lafayette is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 60%. Prospective students should have a strong academic record, extracurricular involvement, and well-rounded application to increase their chances of acceptance.
Purdue-West Lafayette Degrees Offered
Purdue-West Lafayette offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its various colleges and schools. Some of the most popular majors include engineering, business, agriculture, and liberal arts.
Purdue-West Lafayette Academics
Purdue-West Lafayette is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, allowing for a collaborative and engaging learning environment. Class sizes tend to be smaller, particularly in upper-level courses, allowing for more individualized attention from faculty.
Purdue-West Lafayette Diversity
Purdue-West Lafayette has a diverse student body, with students coming from all 50 states and over 130 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus through various initiatives and programs.
Purdue-West Lafayette Students
Purdue-West Lafayette has a total enrollment of approximately 45,500 students, with around 34,500 undergraduate students and 11,000 graduate and professional students. The campus environment is lively, with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities for students to participate in.
Purdue-West Lafayette Campus
The Purdue-West Lafayette campus covers 2,468 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. On-campus housing is available in various residence halls and apartments, and the campus offers numerous amenities for students, including recreational facilities, dining options, and study spaces.
Purdue-West Lafayette Alumni
Purdue-West Lafayette boasts an extensive alumni network of over 450,000 individuals worldwide. Prominent alumni include astronaut Neil Armstrong, former US Senator Birch Bayh, and entrepreneur Orville Redenbacher.
Purdue-West Lafayette Rankings
Purdue-West Lafayette consistently ranks highly in various national and international university rankings. In the 2021 US News & World Report rankings, Purdue-West Lafayette is ranked 53rd among national universities in the United States.
Purdue-West Lafayette Outcomes
Purdue-West Lafayette graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, with a placement rate of over 80% within six months of graduation. The university also offers comprehensive career services and networking opportunities to support students in their post-graduation pursuits.
Notre Dame vs Purdue-West Lafayette Cost Comparison
When it comes to cost, Purdue-West Lafayette is significantly more affordable than Notre Dame, especially for in-state students. The estimated cost of attendance for in-state undergraduate students at Purdue-West Lafayette is $23,468, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $43,994. In comparison, the cost of attendance at Notre Dame is estimated at $74,193 for all students, as it is a private university.
Notre Dame vs Purdue-West Lafayette Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at Notre Dame are considerably more competitive than at Purdue-West Lafayette. Notre Dame has an acceptance rate of around 15%, while Purdue-West Lafayette has an acceptance rate of approximately 60%. Both universities value strong academic records, extracurricular involvement, and well-rounded applications, but Notre Dame’s lower acceptance rate indicates a higher level of selectivity.
Notre Dame vs Purdue-West Lafayette Academic Difficulty
Both Notre Dame and Purdue-West Lafayette are known for their rigorous academic programs and commitment to research and innovation. Notre Dame may be considered slightly more challenging due to its lower student-faculty ratio (10:1 compared to Purdue-West Lafayette’s 13:1) and more selective admissions process. However, both universities offer a high-quality education and a wide range of academic resources to support student success.
Notre Dame vs Purdue-West Lafayette Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Notre Dame and Purdue-West Lafayette enjoy strong post-graduation outcomes. Notre Dame has a placement rate of over 90% within six months of graduation, while Purdue-West Lafayette has a placement rate of over 80%. Both universities offer robust career services and networking opportunities to help students achieve success in their chosen fields. Ultimately, the outcome comparison may depend on individual factors such as major, career goals, and level of engagement with available resources and opportunities.
