College Comparison
MIT 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
MIT
Cambridge, MA
School
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | MIT | Carnegie Mellon |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.7%wins | 11.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580wins | 1500–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $60,156wins | $63,829 |
| Avg Net Price | $19,813wins | $31,671 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $143,372wins | $114,862 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.1%wins | 92.5% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 97.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 3:1wins | 5:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 4,571 | 7,187wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, MIT edges out Carnegie Mellon on 8 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.
MIT Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $60,156
- ✓Avg Net Price: $19,813
Carnegie Mellon Strengths
- ✓Total Enrollment: 7,187
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