Head-to-Head Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs George Washington University
- Carnegie Mellon Wins
- 29
- Tied
- 11
- George Washington Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Carnegie Mellon University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $31,944 vs George Washington University's $36,586, Carnegie Mellon University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Carnegie Mellon University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $114,862 at ten years.
54 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, 26% more than George Washington University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $31,944, roughly $4,642 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 12% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #20
George Washington
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Carnegie Mellon graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); George Washington in Social Sciences (33%). 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 George Washington University. Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment vs $90,873.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over George Washington University. Net price $31,944 vs $36,586.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over George Washington University. THE World Rank #20 vs #95.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over George Washington University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over George Washington University. 93% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Carnegie Mellon University and George Washington 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 George Washington University takes 47%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,433.
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 $4,642 a year below George Washington University's $36,586. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $21,750.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $18,568 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 $90,873 at George Washington University. That is a 26% advantage. Set against borrowing, Carnegie Mellon University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 26% 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 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% 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.
Moving people up
Carnegie Mellon University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at George Washington University, it is 2.2%. George Washington University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Carnegie Mellon University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Carnegie Mellon University sits higher, at #20 versus #95.
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 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Carnegie Mellon University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while George Washington University leans toward Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Carnegie Mellon University has less business program depth, and George Washington University offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,586 runs well above Carnegie Mellon University's $31,944.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of George Washington University's enrollment, and Carnegie Mellon University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Washington University's enrollment of 11,182 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 19% at George Washington — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 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.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
Rankings They Appear On
Carnegie Mellon University and George Washington University appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Carnegie Mellon University ranks #3 — Carnegie Mellon University outranks George Washington University by 19 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Carnegie Mellon's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while George Washington leads with Sociology (33%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Carnegie Mellon) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington).
The two schools feed different job markets. Carnegie Mellon University is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while George Washington University concentrates in Social Sciences, Health Professions, Psychology. 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.
Carnegie Mellon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Carnegie Mellon University or George Washington University?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 47% at George Washington University.
Which is more affordable, Carnegie Mellon University or George Washington University?
Carnegie Mellon University is more affordable, with an average net price of $31,944 after aid versus $36,586 at George Washington University.
Do Carnegie Mellon University or George Washington University graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more: median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, versus $90,873 at George Washington University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or George Washington University?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 85%.
Carnegie Mellon University vs George Washington University: which is better for social mobility?
Carnegie Mellon University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 2.2%.
Should you choose Carnegie Mellon University or George Washington 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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