Carnegie mellon vs Dartmouth — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 11.7% acceptance). Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #301-400). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $97K). Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $68,268 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 graduate earnings, lower tuition.
Choose Dartmouth for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 11.7% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1534).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $97K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 94.1%).
Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Dartmouth |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 70.9% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1534 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 28,230 |
| International students | 46% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $97K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $110K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $189K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 95.5% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $68,268 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $75,301 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $24,255 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 7,273 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Dartmouth?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Dartmouth accepts 5.4%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Dartmouth graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $97K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Dartmouth?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $68,268 per year at Dartmouth.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Dartmouth?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1534 at Dartmouth; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Carnegie mellon or Dartmouth?
Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Carnegie mellon vs #301-400 for Dartmouth.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Dartmouth?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $75,301 at Dartmouth.
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