College Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Santa Clara 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
Santa Clara, CA
Total Enrollment
15,888
9,728
Undergrad Enrollment
7,377
6,577
Student-Faculty Ratio
5:1
11:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
11.7%
48.0%
Average GPA
4.00
3.74
SAT Range
1500–1570
1350–1490
ACT Range
34–35
31–33
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$70
Total Applicants
33,941
18,970
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,030
$76,773
Avg Net Price
$31,671
$50,959
Tuition (In-State)
$59,864
$56,880
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$59,864
$56,880
Room & Board
$18,166
$19,893
% Receiving Aid
51.0%
71.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$48,107
$28,368
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
89.0%
90.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
77.0%
85.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$114,862
$109,183
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Explore by Location
Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA
Santa Clara is in Santa Clara, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $50,959 at Santa Clara University. Carnegie Mellon University is $19,288 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 Santa Clara University, the typical SAT range is 1350-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 89%, while Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 90%. Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University has a ratio of 11:1. 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 Santa Clara University, 71% of students receive aid with an average grant of $28,368.
The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $109,183 for Santa Clara 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. Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA in a city: midsize setting.