College Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Vanderbilt University: 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
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Carnegie Mellon | Vanderbilt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.4% | 6.3%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1560wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,829wins | $63,946 |
| Avg Net Price | $31,671 | $19,040wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $114,862wins | $91,565 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.5% | 92.7%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.0%wins | 96.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 7:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,187wins | 7,143 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Carnegie Mellon edges out Vanderbilt on 5 of 9 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
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,829
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $114,862
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.0%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Vanderbilt Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1560
- ✓Avg Net Price: $19,040
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.7%
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