College Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Columbia University in the City of New York
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
New York, NY
Total Enrollment
15,888
35,173
Undergrad Enrollment
7,377
9,164
Student-Faculty Ratio
5:1
6:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
11.7%
4.0%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1500–1570
1510–1580
ACT Range
34–35
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$85
Total Applicants
33,941
60,115
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,030
$79,569
Avg Net Price
$31,671
$22,000
Tuition (In-State)
$59,864
$61,989
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$59,864
$61,989
Room & Board
$18,166
$17,580
% Receiving Aid
51.0%
52.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$48,107
$67,010
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
89.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
77.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$114,862
$102,491
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $22,000 at Columbia University in the City of New York. Columbia University in the City of New York is $9,671 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Carnegie Mellon University typically score between 1500-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Columbia University in the City of New York, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 89%, while Columbia University in the City of New York has a graduation rate of 92%. Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Carnegie Mellon University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, while Columbia University in the City of New York has a ratio of 6:1. Carnegie Mellon University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Carnegie Mellon University, 51% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $48,107. At Columbia University in the City of New York, 52% of students receive aid with an average grant of $67,010.
The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $102,491 for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates. Graduates from Carnegie Mellon University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, PA in a city: large setting. Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY in a city: large setting.

