College Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Princeton University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Princeton, NJ
Total Enrollment
15,888
9,137
Undergrad Enrollment
7,377
5,813
Student-Faculty Ratio
5:1
5:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
11.7%
4.6%
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
$70
Total Applicants
33,941
40,468
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,030
$77,660
Avg Net Price
$31,671
$10,555
Tuition (In-State)
$59,864
$57,410
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$59,864
$57,410
Room & Board
$18,166
$20,250
% Receiving Aid
51.0%
67.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$48,107
$68,727
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
89.0%
98.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
77.0%
90.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$114,862
$110,066
More Comparisons
Compare Carnegie Mellon with...
View Carnegie Mellon profile →
Compare Princeton with...
View Princeton profile →
Explore by Location
Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA
Princeton is in Princeton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $10,555 at Princeton University. Princeton University is $21,116 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 Princeton 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 Princeton University has a graduation rate of 98%. Princeton 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 Princeton University has a ratio of 5:1. Princeton 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 Princeton University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,727.
The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $110,066 for Princeton 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. Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ in a city: small setting.

