College Comparison
UCLA 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
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
School
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UCLA | Carnegie Mellon |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.7%wins | 11.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1500–1570wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $44,524wins | $63,829 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,013wins | $31,671 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,511 | $114,862wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7%wins | 92.5% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8% | 97.0%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 5:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,040wins | 7,187 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UCLA edges out Carnegie Mellon on 5 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.
UCLA Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 8.7%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $44,524
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,013
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.7%
Carnegie Mellon Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $114,862
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.0%
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 5:1
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