Carnegie mellon vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Carnegie mellon is the more selective of the two (11.7% vs 16.8% acceptance). Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #201-300). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $87K). Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 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 Virginia for: a higher graduation rate, 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 16.8% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1480).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $87K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 94.1%).
Virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($59,512 vs $66,246); Carnegie mellon offers a larger average aid package ($60,909 vs $37,123).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | — |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 58,951 |
| International students | 46% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Carnegie mellon. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Virginia graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $87K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Carnegie mellon or Virginia?
Carnegie mellon ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Carnegie mellon vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Virginia?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $37,123 at Virginia.
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