College Comparison
Stanford 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
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
School
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Stanford | Carnegie Mellon |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.9%wins | 11.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580wins | 1500–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,484wins | $63,829 |
| Avg Net Price | $12,136wins | $31,671 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $124,080wins | $114,862 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.8%wins | 92.5% |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 97.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1 | 5:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 7,841wins | 7,187 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Stanford 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.
Stanford Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,484
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,136
Carnegie Mellon Strengths
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 5:1
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