College Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
School
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Carnegie Mellon | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.4%wins | 46.0% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570wins | 1190–1340 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 25–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,829 | $31,974wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,671 | $18,109wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $114,862wins | $60,249 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.5%wins | 73.5% |
| Retention Rate | 97.0%wins | 91.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,187 | 28,763wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Carnegie Mellon edges out Tennessee on 7 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Carnegie Mellon Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 11.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $114,862
Tennessee Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $31,974
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,109
- ✓Total Enrollment: 28,763
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.