College Comparison
Cornell University vs Carnegie Mellon 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
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
School
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Cornell | Carnegie Mellon |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.2%wins | 11.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1480–1560 | 1500–1570wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 34–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,014 | $63,829wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,337 | $31,671wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $104,043 | $114,862wins |
| Graduation Rate | 95.1%wins | 92.5% |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 97.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | 5:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 15,935wins | 7,187 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Carnegie Mellon edges out Cornell on 6 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.
Cornell Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 8.2%
- ✓Graduation Rate: 95.1%
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.8%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 15,935
Carnegie Mellon Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,829
- ✓Avg Net Price: $31,671
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