Carnegie mellon vs Cornell — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 11.7% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #12). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $104K). Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $69,314 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, higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 11.7% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1535).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $104K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 94.1%).
Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Cornell |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #12 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | #20 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 8.8% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 66% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1535 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 67,846 |
| International students | 46% | 26% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $104K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $101K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $166K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 95.4% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97.8% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $14,000 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $69,314 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $62,257 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $27,244 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 19,027 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Cornell?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Cornell accepts 8.8%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Cornell graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $104K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Cornell?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $69,314 per year at Cornell.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Cornell?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1535 at Cornell; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Carnegie mellon or Cornell?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Carnegie mellon vs #12 for Cornell.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Cornell?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $62,257 at Cornell.
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