Boston college vs Carnegie mellon — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Carnegie mellon is the more selective of the two (11.7% vs 16.4% acceptance). Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #101-150). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $104K). Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $70,702 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Boston college for: a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
Choose Carnegie mellon for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Carnegie mellon is more selective (11.7% vs 16.4% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1507).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $104K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 90.8%).
Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $70,702); Boston college offers a larger average aid package ($61,753 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston college | Carnegie mellon |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | — | #24 |
| Acceptance rate | 16.4% | 11.7% |
| Yield rate | 42.5% | 45.7% |
| Median SAT | 1507 | 1546 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 34,779 | 33,941 |
| International students | 12% | 46% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $115K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $162K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 90.8% | 94.1% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 98% |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $21,750 |
| Tuition · year | $70,702 | $66,246 |
| Avg. aid package | $61,753 | $60,909 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,892 | $31,298 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 14,726 | 16,676 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston college or Carnegie mellon?
It's harder to get into Carnegie mellon. Boston college accepts 16.4% of applicants, while Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7%.
Do Boston college or Carnegie mellon graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $104K.
How much is tuition at Boston college vs Carnegie mellon?
Sticker-price tuition is $70,702 per year at Boston college and $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon.
What SAT score do you need for Boston college or Carnegie mellon?
The median admitted SAT score is 1507 at Boston college and 1546 at Carnegie mellon; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Boston college or Carnegie mellon?
Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Boston college vs #101-150 for Carnegie mellon.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston college or Carnegie mellon?
The average aid package is $61,753 at Boston college and $60,909 at Carnegie mellon.
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