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California Institute of Technology vs Carnegie Mellon University

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

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

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pasadena, CA

Pittsburgh, PA

Total Enrollment

2,430

15,888

Undergrad Enrollment

987

7,377

Student-Faculty Ratio

3:1

5:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

2.6%

11.7%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1530–1580

1500–1570

ACT Range

35–36

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$75

Total Applicants

13,856

33,941


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,762

$78,030

Avg Net Price

$18,902

$31,671

Tuition (In-State)

$58,479

$59,864

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$58,479

$59,864

Room & Board

$20,283

$18,166

% Receiving Aid

53.0%

51.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$72,373

$48,107


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

89.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

77.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$128,566

$114,862

More Comparisons
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California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA

Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Caltech has an acceptance rate of 3%, while Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. This means Caltech is more selective than Carnegie Mellon University.

The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $31,671 at Carnegie Mellon University. Caltech is $12,769 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 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.

Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%, while Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 89%. Caltech has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Carnegie Mellon University has a ratio of 5:1. Caltech offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Caltech, 53% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $72,373. At Carnegie Mellon University, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $48,107.

The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $114,862 for Carnegie Mellon University graduates. Graduates from Caltech tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Caltech is located in Pasadena, CA in a city: midsize setting. Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, PA in a city: large setting.