Choosing a particular college to pursue one’s academic dream can trigger a series of severe headaches. It is because there are a host of colleges and universities. Where it becomes worse is if such a candidate is of high academic standard. He or she is left with a choice to make amongst a long list of top universities. Two common top-tier universities that come to one’s mind are Harvard University and the University of Notre Dame.
Although both schools are of high academic standing, choosing Harvard university over the university of Notre Dame or the University of Notre Dame over Harvard University is strictly dependent on candidates’ preferences and if the qualities of such universities match their preferences.
Keep reading to know the characteristics as well as what both schools offer and if it matches one’s preferences!

Comparing Harvard University and The University of Notre Dame
Global Recognition of Harvard University
Harvard University was established in the 17th century and it is known as the oldest university in the US and the most prestigious – based on academic records – university in the whole world.
It has been the academic home to one of the most brilliant minds to walk the globe and it continues to attract bookworms and acute minds alike from across the globe.
Global Recognition of the University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame is a top university that ranks between 150 and 200 in the world. It is known as a good Catholic research university that attracts students from all over the world. Students who are eager to grow in intellectual strength and moral fortitude attend the University of Notre Dame.
University Ranking of Harvard University
Harvard University is ranked as the second-best university in the US. Although in the previous years, it has matched its expectation and dominated all academic institutions, due to the competition of Stanford, MIT, and their likes, Harvard has experienced a position drop, however never been below the top 3.
This however does not blur out the illuminated star that is Harvard, as it is arguably considered the most coveted university by academic scholars.
University Ranking of the University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame is ranked as the best school in the United States in areas of Drama and theatre arts as well as maintaining the struggle as a leading light among the top 50 schools in the US. It is considered the 19th best university in the United States.
Location of Harvard University
Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the United States of America. It has three main campuses, however, the main campus is based in several historic places in Cambridge.
Location of the University of Notre Dame
There are three major campuses of the University of Notre Dame. These campuses are located are:
- The University of Notre Dame
- Saint Mary’s college
- Holy Cross college
University of Harvard School Type
The University of Harvard is a private research institute that prides itself in the art of training scholars all over the world (from different religious affiliations as well as different ethnic backgrounds).
Harvard University is also part of the Ivy League.
University of Notre Dame School Type
The University of Notre Dame is also a private research institute. It has a strong affiliation with the Catholic church since it is a core Catholic University.
The University of Notre Dame is not part of the Ivy League of colleges.
Academic Courses offered at Harvard University
Harvard has a host of programs which include:
- Social Sciences
- Biological Sciences,
- Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences
- History
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering
- Psychology
- English Language and Literature, etc.
Harvard is also home to some prestigious and popular schools like:
- Harvard Law School
- Harvard Medical School
- Harvard Business School
Academic Courses offered at the University of Notre Dame
Majors offered at the University of Notre Dame include:
- Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
- Finance
- Political Science and Government,
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Accounting
- Chemical Engineering
- Management Sciences
- Quantitative Methods etc
The population of Students at the University of Harvard
The population at Harvard University falls roughly at 30,000 students given that every year, an approximate number of 4,500 students or more are admitted having gone through the rigors of the Harvard admission process.
The population of Students at the University of Notre Dame
The population at Notre Dame falls roughly at 9000 students, both undergraduates, and students for graduate studies.
University of Harvard Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate of Harvard University falls at a very low percentage of 5%. This implies that Harvard is one of the most selective schools as it only considers the best of all its applicants.
University of Notre Dame Acceptance Rate
The University of Notre Dame’s acceptance rate falls at a low percentage of 19%. This is because of all the top applicants who apply to study at the university, only very few are considered due to its limited space for undergraduates.
Admission Requirements of Harvard University
Harvard only admits students who meet up to the basic requirements. Such requirements can be viewed in detail at https://college.harvard.edu
Admission Requirements of the University of Notre Dame
Very selective in its admission process, the admission requirement of Notre Dame is streamlined only for the best applicants. More information on the admission requirements can be accessed at https://admissions.nd.edu
Tuition Fee of Harvard University
The tuition fee of Harvard University falls at the rough estimate of $55,000 per annum. The University also offers partial financial aid to financially restrained students.
Tuition Fee of the University of Notre Dame
The tuition fee if the University of Notre Dame falls between $57,000 and $60,000 per annum. Financial aid is also available.
Conclusion
Picking the right college to spend one’s academic life is always a difficult task for high school graduates. And although the university of Harvard and the University of Notre Dame might prove to be almost on the same academic track, if one is considering prestige over morals, then Harvard is the best pick.
But also note that the acceptance rate and the academic programs of both schools must always be taken into consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the No. 1 University in the United States?
Harvard University is most times considered the #1 university in the United States. Although most tend to debate between Harvard, Stanford, and sometimes MIT. But the name Harvard haven spread across the surface of the globe is always considered the best university in the US in the hearts of many.
- Is it harder to get into Harvard or Notre Dame?
Although Notre Dame is very selective in their admission process, based on the acceptance rate and admission policy, Harvard University is more difficult to get into than Notre Dame.
- What is the hardest College to get into?
Most people consider Stanford harder to get into based on their acceptance rate. While others rate MIT most difficult to get into; and Caltech based on their limited spaces, getting into Harvard based on its prestige and world recognition may prove daunting and uneasy.