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