Carnegie mellon vs Emory — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.7% vs 11.7% acceptance). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $80K). Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 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: higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Emory for: higher selectivity, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.7% vs 11.7% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1520).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $80K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 91.1%).
Emory has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,280 vs $66,246); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Emory |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 10.7% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 40.4% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1520 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 34,614 |
| International students | 46% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $80K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $84K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $120K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 91.1% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 96% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $18,250 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $64,280 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $67,329 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.9% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $24,562 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 15,179 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Emory?
It's harder to get into Emory. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Emory accepts 10.7%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Emory graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $80K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Emory?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $64,280 per year at Emory.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Emory?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1520 at Emory; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Emory?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $67,329 at Emory.
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