Notre Dame vs. Transylvania University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN with Transylvania University in Lexington, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Notre Dame is larger than Transylvania University based on total student enrollment (13,042 students vs. 1,006 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Notre Dame is located in Notre Dame, IN (Rural Fringe setting); Transylvania University is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• University of Notre Dame is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Transylvania University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Notre Dame 8:1; Transylvania University 10:1.

Notre Dame vs. Transylvania University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Notre Dame or Transylvania University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Transylvania University than Notre Dame ($25,442 vs. $29,300).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Transylvania University are 17.9% lower than at University of Notre Dame ($14,697 vs. $17,900).
• University of Notre Dame is 38.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Transylvania University (about $18,155 more per year; $65,025.00 vs. $46,870.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.7% higher at Notre Dame than at Transylvania University (about $18,155 more per year; $65,025.00 vs. $46,870.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Transylvania University than at University of Notre Dame (100% vs. 61%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Notre Dame students is 50.3% larger than aid received by Transylvania University students ($53,971 vs. $35,903).

Notre Dame vs. Transylvania University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Notre Dame or Transylvania University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Transylvania University and Notre Dame .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Notre Dame (1510) is 260 points higher than at Transylvania University (1250).
• Incoming Notre Dame students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at Transylvania University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Notre Dame 1455/1560; Transylvania University 1120/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Notre Dame 33/35; Transylvania University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Notre Dame - Test optional; Transylvania University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Notre Dame Jan 1, 2027; Transylvania University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Notre Dame students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Transylvania University (3.77).
• Transylvania University has a higher acceptance rate (86.5%) than Notre Dame (11.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.7% at Notre Dame vs. 16.3% at Transylvania University.

Notre Dame vs. Transylvania University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Notre Dame and Transylvania University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Notre Dame's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Transylvania University's (70%).
• Graduates from University of Notre Dame earn a median of about $41,100 more per year than Transylvania University graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $48,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Notre Dame graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Transylvania University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Notre Dame graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Transylvania University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Notre Dame graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Transylvania University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.