College Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Villanova 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
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Carnegie Mellon | Villanova |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.4%wins | 25.1% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570wins | 1400–1510 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 32–34 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,829wins | $64,701 |
| Avg Net Price | $31,671wins | $44,876 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $114,862wins | $100,423 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.5%wins | 92.4% |
| Retention Rate | 97.0%wins | 95.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1wins | 10:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,187wins | 7,005 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Carnegie Mellon edges out Villanova on 10 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
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,829
Villanova Strengths
- No clear advantages in available data
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