College Comparison
Boston University vs Carnegie Mellon University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
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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Explore by Location
Boston is in Boston, MA
Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
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.

