Carnegie mellon vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Carnegie mellon is the more selective of the two (11.7% vs 63.5% 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 $102K). Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 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 Rensselaer polytechnic institute for: lower tuition, a larger aid package, 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 63.5% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1456).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $102K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 83.6%).
Rensselaer polytechnic institute has lower sticker-price tuition ($64,081 vs $66,246); Rensselaer polytechnic institute offers a larger average aid package ($76,097 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Rensselaer polytechnic institute |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 63.5% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 39.7% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1456 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 15,819 |
| International students | 46% | 19% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $102K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $86K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 83.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 98% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $23,750 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $64,081 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $76,097 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $29,149 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 6,761 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
It's harder to get into Carnegie mellon. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Rensselaer polytechnic institute accepts 63.5%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Rensselaer polytechnic institute graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $102K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $64,081 per year at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1456 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Carnegie mellon or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Carnegie mellon vs #501-600 for Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Rensselaer polytechnic institute?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $76,097 at Rensselaer polytechnic institute.
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