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Carnegie Mellon University vs Grinnell College

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
Grinnell College
#63
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Grinnell, IA

Total Enrollment

15,888

1,788

Undergrad Enrollment

7,377

1,788

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.7%

14.5%

Average GPA

4.00

3.89

SAT Range

1500–1570

1410–1540

ACT Range

34–35

31–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$0

Total Applicants

33,941

9,758


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$77,830

Avg Net Price

$31,671

$15,608

Tuition (In-State)

$59,864

$60,988

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$59,864

$60,988

Room & Board

$18,166

$16,842

% Receiving Aid

51.0%

94.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$48,107

$49,077


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

89.0%

89.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

77.0%

83.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

93.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$114,862

$62,830

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Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA

Grinnell is in Grinnell, IA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%, while Grinnell College has an acceptance rate of 15%. This means Carnegie Mellon University is more selective than Grinnell College.

The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $15,608 at Grinnell College. Grinnell College is $16,063 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 Grinnell College, the typical SAT range is 1410-1540. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

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

Carnegie Mellon University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, while Grinnell College 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 Grinnell College, 94% of students receive aid with an average grant of $49,077.

The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $62,830 for Grinnell College 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. Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA in a town: remote setting.