Carnegie mellon vs Illinois urbana-champaign — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Carnegie mellon is the more selective of the two (11.7% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #55). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 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 selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, 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 42.4% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1440).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $81K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $66,246); Carnegie mellon offers a larger average aid package ($60,909 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Illinois urbana-champaign |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #55 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | #46 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 42.4% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1440 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 73,742 |
| International students | 46% | 25% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $81K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $71K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $117K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 85.1% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 94.8% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $35,124 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $23,217 |
| % of need met | 100% | 0.8% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $22,395 |
| Application fee | $75 | $50 |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 59,238 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Illinois urbana-champaign?
It's harder to get into Carnegie mellon. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Illinois urbana-champaign graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Illinois urbana-champaign?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Carnegie mellon or Illinois urbana-champaign?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Carnegie mellon vs #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Illinois urbana-champaign?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign.
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