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Carnegie Mellon University vs Southern Methodist 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
Southern Methodist University
#59
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Dallas, TX

Total Enrollment

15,888

12,116

Undergrad Enrollment

7,377

7,285

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

11:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.7%

63.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.66

SAT Range

1500–1570

1340–1490

ACT Range

34–35

30–34

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$60

Total Applicants

33,941

15,245


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$74,076

Avg Net Price

$31,671

$41,778

Tuition (In-State)

$59,864

$55,012

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$59,864

$55,012

Room & Board

$18,166

$19,064

% Receiving Aid

51.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$48,107

$37,520


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

89.0%

82.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

77.0%

75.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

91.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$114,862

$78,354

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Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA

Southern Methodist is in Dallas, TX

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%, while Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. This means Carnegie Mellon University is more selective than Southern Methodist University.

The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $41,778 at Southern Methodist University. Carnegie Mellon University is $10,107 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 Southern Methodist University, the typical SAT range is 1340-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 89%, while Southern Methodist University has a graduation rate of 82%. Carnegie Mellon 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 Southern Methodist 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 Southern Methodist University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $37,520.

The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $78,354 for Southern Methodist 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. Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, TX in a suburb: large setting.