College Comparison
Carleton College 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
Northfield, MN
Pittsburgh, PA
Total Enrollment
2,128
15,888
Undergrad Enrollment
2,128
7,377
Student-Faculty Ratio
8:1
5:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
20.4%
11.7%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1450–1560
1500–1570
ACT Range
32–34
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$0
$75
Total Applicants
7,133
33,941
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,830
$78,030
Avg Net Price
$27,320
$31,671
Tuition (In-State)
$62,244
$59,864
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,244
$59,864
Room & Board
$17,586
$18,166
% Receiving Aid
59.0%
51.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$56,846
$48,107
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
89.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
77.0%
Retention Rate
96.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$75,525
$114,862
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Explore by Location
Carleton is in Northfield, MN
Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Carleton College is $27,320 per year, compared to $31,671 at Carnegie Mellon University. Carleton College is $4,351 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Carleton College typically score between 1450-1560 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.
Carleton College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 89%. Carleton College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Carleton College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, 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 Carleton College, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $56,846. At Carnegie Mellon University, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $48,107.
The median earnings for Carleton College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $75,525, 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.
Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN in a town: distant setting. Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, PA in a city: large setting.

