Carnegie mellon vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Carnegie mellon is the more selective of the two (11.7% vs 88.7% acceptance). Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #501-600). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state 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 88.7% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1204).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $63K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 75.3%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $66,246); Carnegie mellon offers a larger average aid package ($60,909 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 23,095 |
| International students | 46% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Carnegie mellon. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Carnegie mellon or Iowa state?
Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Carnegie mellon vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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