Carnegie mellon vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Carnegie mellon is the more selective of the two (11.7% vs 12.1% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #23). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 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, higher retention.
Choose Washington university for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Carnegie mellon is more selective (11.7% vs 12.1% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1530).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $86K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 94.1%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $66,246); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Carnegie mellon | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | #24 | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 45.7% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1546 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 33,941 | 32,754 |
| International students | 46% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $115K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $103K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 95% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $66,246 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $60,909 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $31,298 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 16,676 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Carnegie mellon or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Carnegie mellon. Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Carnegie mellon or Washington university graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Carnegie mellon vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie mellon or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1546 at Carnegie mellon and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Carnegie mellon or Washington university?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Carnegie mellon vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Carnegie mellon or Washington university?
The average aid package is $60,909 at Carnegie mellon and $75,604 at Washington university.
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