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Carnegie Mellon University vs Northwestern 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
Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

15,888

23,856

Undergrad Enrollment

7,377

9,399

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.7%

7.7%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1500–1570

1510–1570

ACT Range

34–35

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$75

Total Applicants

33,941

49,474


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$83,517

Avg Net Price

$31,671

$27,143

Tuition (In-State)

$59,864

$62,391

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$59,864

$62,391

Room & Board

$18,166

$21,126

% Receiving Aid

51.0%

53.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$48,107

$64,429


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

89.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

77.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$114,862

$89,363

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Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA

Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than Carnegie Mellon University.

The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Northwestern University is $4,528 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 Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 89%, while Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. Northwestern 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 Northwestern University 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 Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.

The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern 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. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.