Boston university vs Carnegie mellon — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Boston university is the more selective of the two (11.1% vs 11.7% acceptance). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $83K). Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $68,102 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 university for: higher selectivity, a larger aid package.
Choose Carnegie mellon for: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Boston university is more selective (11.1% vs 11.7% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1480).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $83K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 88.7%).
Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $68,102); Boston university offers a larger average aid package ($69,396 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Boston university | Carnegie mellon |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #75 | #24 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.1% | 11.7% |
| Yield rate | 35% | 45.7% |
| Median SAT | 1480 | 1546 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 76,776 | 33,941 |
| International students | 32% | 46% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $115K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $76K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $122K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 88.7% | 94.1% |
| Retention rate | 94.2% | 98% |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $21,750 |
| Tuition · year | $68,102 | $66,246 |
| Avg. aid package | $69,396 | $60,909 |
| % of need met | 92% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,774 | $31,298 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 36,977 | 16,676 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Boston university or Carnegie mellon?
It's harder to get into Boston university. Boston university accepts 11.1% of applicants, while Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7%.
Do Boston university or Carnegie mellon graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $83K.
How much is tuition at Boston university vs Carnegie mellon?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,102 per year at Boston university and $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon.
What SAT score do you need for Boston university or Carnegie mellon?
The median admitted SAT score is 1480 at Boston university and 1546 at Carnegie mellon; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Boston university or Carnegie mellon?
The average aid package is $69,396 at Boston university and $60,909 at Carnegie mellon.
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