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Carnegie Mellon University vs Vanderbilt 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
Vanderbilt University
#19
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Nashville, TN

Total Enrollment

15,888

13,575

Undergrad Enrollment

7,377

7,221

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.7%

5.9%

Average GPA

4.00

3.93

SAT Range

1500–1570

1500–1570

ACT Range

34–35

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$50

Total Applicants

33,941

45,409


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,030

$80,184

Avg Net Price

$31,671

$19,040

Tuition (In-State)

$59,864

$58,130

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$59,864

$58,130

Room & Board

$18,166

$22,054

% Receiving Aid

51.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$48,107

$64,404


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

89.0%

94.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

77.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$114,862

$91,565

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Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA

Vanderbilt is in Nashville, TN

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%, while Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. This means Vanderbilt University is more selective than Carnegie Mellon University.

The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $19,040 at Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt University is $12,631 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 Vanderbilt University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 89%, while Vanderbilt University has a graduation rate of 94%. Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt University 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 Vanderbilt University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,404.

The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $91,565 for Vanderbilt 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. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN in a city: large setting.