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Carnegie Mellon University vs Harvard 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
Harvard University
#1
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Cambridge, MA

Total Enrollment

15,888

30,259

Undergrad Enrollment

7,377

8,844

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

7:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.7%

3.6%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1500–1570

1510–1580

ACT Range

34–35

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$85

Total Applicants

33,941

54,008


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$73,849

Avg Net Price

$31,671

$16,816

Tuition (In-State)

$59,864

$52,659

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$59,864

$52,659

Room & Board

$18,166

$21,190

% Receiving Aid

51.0%

56.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$48,107

$68,015


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

89.0%

97.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

77.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$114,862

$101,817

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Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA

Harvard is in Cambridge, MA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%, while Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. This means Harvard University is more selective than Carnegie Mellon University.

The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $16,816 at Harvard University. Harvard University is $14,855 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 Harvard University, 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 Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%. Harvard 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 Harvard University has a ratio of 7:1. 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 Harvard University, 56% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,015.

The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $101,817 for Harvard 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. Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting.