Yale vs Carnegie mellon — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Yale is the more selective of the two (3.9% vs 11.7% acceptance). Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#11 vs #101-150). Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $101K). Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $67,250 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 Yale for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Carnegie mellon for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Yale is more selective (3.9% vs 11.7% acceptance); Carnegie mellon has a higher median SAT (1546 vs 1534).
Carnegie mellon graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($115K vs $101K); Yale has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.7% vs 94.1%).
Carnegie mellon has lower sticker-price tuition ($66,246 vs $67,250); Yale offers a larger average aid package ($76,770 vs $60,909).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Yale | Carnegie mellon |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #11 | #101-150 |
| Rank · THE | #10 | #24 |
| Acceptance rate | 3.9% | 11.7% |
| Yield rate | 68.4% | 45.7% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1546 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 50,264 | 33,941 |
| International students | 22% | 46% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $115K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $124K | $103K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $194K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 95.7% | 94.1% |
| Retention rate | 99.4% | 98% |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $21,750 |
| Tuition · year | $67,250 | $66,246 |
| Avg. aid package | $76,770 | $60,909 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,185 | $31,298 |
| Application fee | $80 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 15,657 | 16,676 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Yale or Carnegie mellon?
It's harder to get into Yale. Yale accepts 3.9% of applicants, while Carnegie mellon accepts 11.7%.
Do Yale or Carnegie mellon graduates earn more?
Carnegie mellon graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $115K vs $101K.
How much is tuition at Yale vs Carnegie mellon?
Sticker-price tuition is $67,250 per year at Yale and $66,246 per year at Carnegie mellon.
What SAT score do you need for Yale or Carnegie mellon?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Yale and 1546 at Carnegie mellon; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Yale or Carnegie mellon?
Yale ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #11 for Yale vs #101-150 for Carnegie mellon.
Which university offers more financial aid — Yale or Carnegie mellon?
The average aid package is $76,770 at Yale and $60,909 at Carnegie mellon.
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