College Comparison
Princeton 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
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
School
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Princeton | Carnegie Mellon |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5%wins | 11.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $59,710wins | $63,829 |
| Avg Net Price | $10,555wins | $31,671 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $110,066 | $114,862wins |
| Graduation Rate | 97.1%wins | 92.5% |
| Retention Rate | 97.3%wins | 97.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 5:1 | 5:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 5,579 | 7,187wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Princeton edges out Carnegie Mellon on 5 of 7 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.
Princeton Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $59,710
- ✓Avg Net Price: $10,555
- ✓Graduation Rate: 97.1%
Carnegie Mellon Strengths
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $114,862
- ✓Total Enrollment: 7,187
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