Carnegie mellon vs Southern california — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 11.7% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #62). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $92K). Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 11.7% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1495).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $92K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 91.8%).
Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Southern california |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #62 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | #72 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 9.8% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 43.3% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1495 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 82,027 |
| International students | 46% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $92K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $89K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $141K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 91.8% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 95.6% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $18,000 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $72,097 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $71,169 |
| % of need met | 100% | 99.3% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $27,678 |
| Application fee | $75 | $85 |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 46,566 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Southern california?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Southern california accepts 9.8%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Southern california graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $92K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Southern california?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $72,097 per year at Southern california.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Southern california?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1495 at Southern california; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Carnegie mellon or Southern california?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Carnegie mellon vs #62 for Southern california.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Southern california?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $71,169 at Southern california.
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