Cornell vs Carnegie mellon — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Cornell is the more selective of the two (8.8% vs 11.7% acceptance). Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#12 vs #101-150). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $104K). Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $69,314 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 Cornell for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Carnegie mellon for: higher graduate earnings, higher retention, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Cornell is more selective (8.8% vs 11.7% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1535).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $104K); Cornell has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.4% vs 94.1%).
Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $69,314); Cornell offers a larger average aid package ($62,257 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Cornell | Carnegie mellon |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #12 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #20 | #24 |
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 11.7% |
| Yield rate | 66% | 45.7% |
| Median SAT | 1535 | 1546 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 67,846 | 33,941 |
| International students | 26% | 46% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $104K | $115K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $166K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 94.1% |
| Retention rate | 97.8% | 98% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $21,750 |
| Tuition · year | $69,314 | $66,246 |
| Avg. aid package | $62,257 | $60,909 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,244 | $31,298 |
| Application fee | — | $75 |
| Enrollment | 19,027 | 16,676 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Cornell or Carnegie mellon?
It's harder to get into Cornell. Cornell accepts 8.8% of applicants, while Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7%.
Do Cornell or Carnegie mellon graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $104K.
How much is tuition at Cornell vs Carnegie mellon?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,314 per year at Cornell and $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon.
What SAT score do you need for Cornell or Carnegie mellon?
The median admitted SAT score is 1535 at Cornell and 1546 at Carnegie mellon; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Cornell or Carnegie mellon?
Cornell ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #12 for Cornell vs #101-150 for Carnegie mellon.
Which university offers more financial aid — Cornell or Carnegie mellon?
The average aid package is $62,257 at Cornell and $60,909 at Carnegie mellon.
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