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Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Pennsylvania

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
University of Pennsylvania
#10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Philadelphia, PA

Total Enrollment

15,888

29,109

Undergrad Enrollment

7,377

11,478

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.7%

5.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1500–1570

1510–1570

ACT Range

34–35

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$75

Total Applicants

33,941

65,226


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$75,386

Avg Net Price

$31,671

$31,229

Tuition (In-State)

$59,864

$56,212

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$59,864

$56,212

Room & Board

$18,166

$19,174

% Receiving Aid

51.0%

51.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$48,107

$65,458


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

89.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

77.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$114,862

$111,371

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Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA

Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $31,229 at Penn. Penn is $442 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 Penn, 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 Penn has a graduation rate of 96%. Penn has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Carnegie Mellon University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, while Penn has a ratio of 8:1. 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 Penn, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,458.

The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $111,371 for Penn 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. Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting.