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Carnegie Mellon University vs Princeton 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
Princeton University
#4
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Private
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

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Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA

Princeton is in Princeton, NJ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%, while Princeton University has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Princeton University is more selective than Carnegie Mellon University.

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.