Students at the University of Notre Dame achieve exceptional earnings that rank among the very highest in American higher education, with graduates consistently outperforming peers at comparable institutions.
The university delivers transformative financial outcomes for both typical students and the limited number of low-income students who gain admission.
The University of Notre Dame delivers some of the strongest financial outcomes among all American universities, with graduates earning a median of $99,980 ten years after enrollment. As a highly selective private institution in Indiana, Notre Dame combines academic prestige with exceptional return on investment, ranking in the 99th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. The university serves a relatively affluent student body, with only 12% receiving Pell Grants, but those who do attend see remarkable success.
Notre Dame's strength lies in its ability to consistently produce high-earning graduates across multiple fields. Students in finance and economics programs see particularly strong outcomes, while even those in traditionally lower-earning fields benefit from the university's extensive alumni network and employer relationships. The institution's 97% six-year graduation rate reflects both the academic preparation of incoming students and the support systems that help them succeed.
For families who can manage the higher costs, Notre Dame represents one of the clearest paths to exceptional long-term financial success. The combination of rigorous academics, strong career services, and powerful alumni connections creates opportunities that translate directly into superior earnings outcomes for graduates.
Notre Dame's program portfolio concentrates heavily in high-return professional fields that align with the university's strong alumni networks in business and technology. Banking and Financial Support Services leads in aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment of 235 graduates with strong earnings of $86,375, reflecting Notre Dame's deep connections to Wall Street and corporate finance. Applied Economics, the university's largest program with 243 graduates, produces solid mid-career earnings of $69,338 and serves as a pipeline to consulting, government, and business roles.
The university's emerging strength in technology shows through its Artificial Intelligence program, where 128 graduates achieve the highest individual earnings at $89,968, demonstrating Notre Dame's ability to compete in cutting-edge fields traditionally dominated by technical universities. Even pre-health programs, which typically show lower early-career earnings due to graduate school requirements, benefit from Notre Dame's reputation and advising support.
Notre Dame's concentrated approach to high-return fields, combined with its extensive alumni presence in finance, consulting, and technology sectors, creates a reinforcing cycle where strong industry connections lead to better placement opportunities and higher starting salaries. The university's relatively small size allows for intensive career support and mentorship that helps students maximize their earning potential across all programs.
Notre Dame graduates achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the university among the very best in the country. With a median income of $99,980 ten years after enrollment, graduates significantly outperform national averages and earn about $2,934 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage reflects both the quality of academic programs and the strength of Notre Dame's alumni network in high-paying industries.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its business and technology programs. Banking and Financial Support Services graduates, representing 235 students, combine substantial enrollment with outstanding earnings of $86,375, making it Notre Dame's highest aggregate return program. Applied Economics, the largest program with 243 graduates, produces solid earnings of $69,338, while Artificial Intelligence majors achieve the highest individual earnings at $89,968. Even programs typically associated with lower pay, such as pre-health tracks, benefit from Notre Dame's reputation and network effects.
Notre Dame's concentrated focus on high-return fields, combined with its extensive alumni presence in finance, consulting, and technology, helps explain why graduates consistently exceed earnings expectations. The university's ability to place students in competitive industries and provide ongoing career support creates a compounding advantage that grows stronger over time.
Notre Dame's affordability varies dramatically by family income, reflecting its position as a high-cost private institution with substantial financial aid for lower-income students. Low-income families pay an average net price of $8,873 annually, an exceptionally affordable figure that places Notre Dame among the most generous private universities for Pell-eligible students. Middle-income families face moderate costs around $14,841, while high-income families pay the full freight of approximately $46,879 per year.
The university's financial aid strategy focuses heavily on need-based grants rather than loans, which helps explain why debt levels remain manageable despite the high sticker price. Federal student loan debt averages $19,000 for borrowers, a reasonable amount given graduates' strong earning potential. Parent PLUS borrowing is more substantial at $38,321 on average, reflecting the higher costs and the tendency for affluent families to finance education through parent loans rather than student borrowing.
What makes Notre Dame's costs sustainable is the exceptional return on investment graduates achieve. With median earnings approaching $100,000 within ten years, most borrowers can comfortably manage their debt obligations while building wealth. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates consistently earn enough to meet their repayment obligations without financial distress.
University Of Notre Dame Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
