Illinois urbana-champaign vs Carnegie mellon — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Carnegie mellon is the more selective of the two (11.7% vs 42.4% acceptance). Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#55 vs #101-150). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $81K). Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 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 Illinois urbana-champaign for: a higher world ranking, lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Carnegie mellon for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Carnegie mellon is more selective (11.7% vs 42.4% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1440).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $81K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 85.1%).
Illinois urbana-champaign has lower sticker-price tuition ($35,124 vs $66,246); Carnegie mellon offers a larger average aid package ($60,909 vs $23,217).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Illinois urbana-champaign | Carnegie mellon |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #55 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #46 | #24 |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 11.7% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 45.7% |
| Median SAT | 1440 | 1546 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 73,742 | 33,941 |
| International students | 25% | 46% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $81K | $115K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $71K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 85.1% | 94.1% |
| Retention rate | 94.8% | 98% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $21,750 |
| Tuition · year | $35,124 | $66,246 |
| Avg. aid package | $23,217 | $60,909 |
| % of need met | 0.8% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,395 | $31,298 |
| Application fee | $50 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 59,238 | 16,676 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Illinois urbana-champaign or Carnegie mellon?
It's harder to get into Carnegie mellon. Illinois urbana-champaign accepts 42.4% of applicants, while Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7%.
Do Illinois urbana-champaign or Carnegie mellon graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $81K.
How much is tuition at Illinois urbana-champaign vs Carnegie mellon?
Sticker-price tuition is $35,124 per year at Illinois urbana-champaign and $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon.
What SAT score do you need for Illinois urbana-champaign or Carnegie mellon?
The median admitted SAT score is 1440 at Illinois urbana-champaign and 1546 at Carnegie mellon; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Illinois urbana-champaign or Carnegie mellon?
Illinois urbana-champaign ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #55 for Illinois urbana-champaign vs #101-150 for Carnegie mellon.
Which university offers more financial aid — Illinois urbana-champaign or Carnegie mellon?
The average aid package is $23,217 at Illinois urbana-champaign and $60,909 at Carnegie mellon.
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