College Comparison
University of Pennsylvania 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
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
School
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UPenn | Carnegie Mellon |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 5.9%wins | 11.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,104 | $63,829wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,229wins | $31,671 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $111,371 | $114,862wins |
| Graduation Rate | 96.8%wins | 92.5% |
| Retention Rate | 98.1%wins | 97.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 8:1 | 5:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 10,768wins | 7,187 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UPenn edges out Carnegie Mellon on 5 of 8 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.
UPenn Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $31,229
- ✓Graduation Rate: 96.8%
- ✓Retention Rate: 98.1%
Carnegie Mellon Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,829
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $114,862
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 5:1
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