Head-to-Head Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Drexel University
- Carnegie Mellon Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 13
- Drexel Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Carnegie Mellon University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $31,944 vs Drexel University's $38,509, Carnegie Mellon University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Carnegie Mellon University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
53 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Carnegie Mellon
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, 36% more than Drexel University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $31,944, roughly $6,565 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,750, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 12% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #20
Drexel
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Carnegie Mellon graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); Drexel in Health Professions (18%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Drexel University. Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment vs $84,648.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Drexel University. Net price $31,944 vs $38,509.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Drexel University. THE World Rank #20 vs #190.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Drexel University. 93% completion rate vs 78%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Carnegie Mellon University and Drexel University are close on paper, but Carnegie Mellon University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Carnegie Mellon University is the harder admit. It takes 12% of applicants, while Drexel University takes 79%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,345.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Carnegie Mellon University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Carnegie Mellon University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $31,944, about $6,565 a year below Drexel University's $38,509. Graduates of Carnegie Mellon University also borrow less: median debt of $21,750, against $25,325.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $26,260 before any change in aid. Choosing Carnegie Mellon University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Carnegie Mellon University graduates report median earnings of $114,862, compared with $84,648 at Drexel University. That is a 36% advantage. Set against borrowing, Carnegie Mellon University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 36% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Carnegie Mellon University graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 78%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 16% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Carnegie Mellon University sits higher, at #20 versus #190.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Carnegie Mellon University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Carnegie Mellon University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while Drexel University leans toward Health Professions, Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Carnegie Mellon competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,509 runs well above Carnegie Mellon University's $31,944.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,325, against $21,750 at Carnegie Mellon University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Drexel University's enrollment, and Carnegie Mellon University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Drexel University's enrollment of 13,233 far exceeds Carnegie Mellon University's 7,304.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Carnegie Mellon holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 7% at Drexel — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Carnegie Mellon offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Drexel does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 5 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Carnegie Mellon University is a great fit for students who are ready to dive into rigorous academic programs. This school attracts those passionate about fields like Engineering, Computer Science, and Business. The blend of technical and creative disciplines, including Visual and Performing Arts, creates a unique environment where students can thrive while exploring their varied interests.
Life after graduation at Carnegie Mellon looks promising. Graduates can expect to earn an impressive average of $114,862 within ten years of completing their degrees. This strong earning potential is crucial for students weighing their options, as it reflects the value of the education they receive here. With a graduation rate of 93%, it’s clear that students are not only getting in but are also navigating their studies successfully.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid is around $31,944, which can feel daunting but is manageable compared to potential earnings. The median debt for graduates stands at $21,750, suggesting that many students are able to graduate with a reasonable level of debt. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are dedicated, ambitious, and ready to engage deeply with their chosen fields.
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With over 13,200 students, Drexel University is a great fit for those seeking a hands-on educational experience, particularly in fields like Engineering, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. The university's acceptance rate of 79% suggests a welcoming environment, which can be reassuring for students looking for a place where they can thrive academically. Many students appreciate the strong focus on experiential learning, including co-op programs that allow them to gain real-world experience while they study.
After graduation, students from Drexel can expect impressive earning potential, with graduates reporting a median income of $84,648 ten years after completing their degree. This financial outcome is particularly appealing, given how many graduates find themselves in well-paying fields. Affordability is a significant factor too, with a net price of $38,509 after aid, making it accessible for many families. Although the Pell Grant rate sits at 27%, it reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.
When considering the practical aspects, Drexel’s median debt of $25,325 is relatively manageable, especially when balanced against the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those ready to engage fully in their education, taking advantage of the co-op experiences and networking opportunities available. This proactive approach can really pay off, leading to successful careers and a solid return on investment for their education.
Rankings They Appear On
Carnegie Mellon University and Drexel University appear together in 4 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual, Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 — Carnegie Mellon University outranks Drexel University by 39 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Carnegie Mellon's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while Drexel leads with Nursing (BSN) (18%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Carnegie Mellon) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Drexel).
The two schools feed different job markets. Carnegie Mellon University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while Drexel University concentrates in Health Professions, Visual & Performing Arts. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Carnegie Mellon University or Drexel University?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 79% at Drexel University.
Which is more affordable, Carnegie Mellon University or Drexel University?
Carnegie Mellon University is more affordable, with an average net price of $31,944 after aid versus $38,509 at Drexel University.
Do Carnegie Mellon University or Drexel University graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more: median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,648 at Drexel University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or Drexel University?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 78%.
Should you choose Carnegie Mellon University or Drexel University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Carnegie Mellon University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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