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Boston University vs Carnegie Mellon University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Boston University
#60
Boston University
Boston, MA
Private
Carnegie Mellon University
#25
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Boston, MA

Pittsburgh, PA

Total Enrollment

37,737

15,888

Undergrad Enrollment

18,805

7,377

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

5:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.1%

11.7%

Average GPA

3.79

4.00

SAT Range

1420–1530

1500–1570

ACT Range

32–34

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$75

Total Applicants

78,769

33,941


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$80,070

$78,030

Avg Net Price

$26,996

$31,671

Tuition (In-State)

$61,050

$59,864

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$61,050

$59,864

Room & Board

$19,020

$18,166

% Receiving Aid

49.0%

51.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,848

$48,107


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

89.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

83.0%

77.0%

Retention Rate

95.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$83,238

$114,862

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Boston is in Boston, MA

Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%, while Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. This means Boston University is more selective than Carnegie Mellon University.

The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $31,671 at Carnegie Mellon University. Boston University is $4,675 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Carnegie Mellon University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Boston University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 89%. Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Carnegie Mellon University has a ratio of 5:1. Carnegie Mellon University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Boston University, 49% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,848. At Carnegie Mellon University, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $48,107.

The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, compared to $114,862 for Carnegie Mellon University graduates. Graduates from Carnegie Mellon University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Boston University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, PA in a city: large setting.