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