Stanford vs Carnegie mellon — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Stanford is the more selective of the two (3.6% vs 11.7% acceptance). Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#2 vs #101-150). Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $115K). Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 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 Stanford for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Carnegie mellon for: a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Stanford is more selective (3.6% vs 11.7% acceptance); Stanford has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1546).
Stanford graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($124K vs $115K); Carnegie mellon has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.1% vs 91.9%).
Stanford has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,910 vs $66,246); Stanford offers a larger average aid package ($75,816 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Stanford | Carnegie mellon |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #2 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #6 | #24 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.6% | 11.7% |
| Yield rate | 79.9% | 45.7% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1546 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 60,646 | 33,941 |
| International students | 23% | 46% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $115K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $220K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 91.9% | 94.1% |
| Retention rate | 97% | 98% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $21,750 |
| Tuition · year | $65,910 | $66,246 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,816 | $60,909 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,507 | $31,298 |
| Application fee | $100 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 18,121 | 16,676 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Stanford or Carnegie mellon?
It's harder to get into Stanford. Stanford accepts 3.6% of applicants, while Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7%.
Do Stanford or Carnegie mellon graduates earn more?
Stanford graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $124K vs $115K.
How much is tuition at Stanford vs Carnegie mellon?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,910 per year at Stanford and $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford or Carnegie mellon?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Stanford and 1546 at Carnegie mellon; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Stanford or Carnegie mellon?
Stanford ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #2 for Stanford vs #101-150 for Carnegie mellon.
Which university offers more financial aid — Stanford or Carnegie mellon?
The average aid package is $75,816 at Stanford and $60,909 at Carnegie mellon.
Harvard
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern
North carolina