Carnegie mellon vs Central florida — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Carnegie mellon is the more selective of the two (11.7% vs 40.1% acceptance). Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #401-500). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $58K). Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $66,246 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Central florida for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Carnegie mellon is more selective (11.7% vs 40.1% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1269).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $58K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 78%).
Central florida has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,467 vs $66,246); Carnegie mellon offers a larger average aid package ($60,909 vs $11,814).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Central florida |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 40.1% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 33.5% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1269 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 55,135 |
| International students | 46% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $58K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $51K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $86K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 78% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 92.3% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $18,190 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $22,467 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $11,814 |
| % of need met | 100% | 65% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $20,529 |
| Application fee | $75 | $30 |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 69,338 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Central florida?
It's harder to get into Carnegie mellon. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Central florida accepts 40.1%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Central florida graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $58K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Central florida?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $22,467 per year at Central florida.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Central florida?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1269 at Central florida; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Carnegie mellon or Central florida?
Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Carnegie mellon vs #401-500 for Central florida.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Central florida?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $11,814 at Central florida.
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