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Carnegie Mellon University vs Cornell 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
Cornell University
#21
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Ithaca, NY

Total Enrollment

15,888

26,793

Undergrad Enrollment

7,377

16,128

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.7%

8.8%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1500–1570

1500–1570

ACT Range

34–35

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$80

Total Applicants

33,941

62,993


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$81,884

Avg Net Price

$31,671

$32,337

Tuition (In-State)

$59,864

$62,456

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$59,864

$62,456

Room & Board

$18,166

$19,428

% Receiving Aid

51.0%

48.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$48,107

$61,779


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

89.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

77.0%

91.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$114,862

$104,043

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Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA

Cornell is in Ithaca, NY

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%, while Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. This means Cornell University is more selective than Carnegie Mellon University.

The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $32,337 at Cornell University. Carnegie Mellon University is $666 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 Cornell University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 89%, while Cornell University has a graduation rate of 96%. Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Carnegie Mellon University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, while Cornell University has a ratio of 9:1. 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 Cornell University, 48% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,779.

The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $104,043 for Cornell University 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. Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY in a city: small setting.