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Carnegie Mellon University vs Harvard University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

11
Carnegie Wins
7
Tied / N/A
28
Harvard Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
7,304
Enrollment
7,601
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

12%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1546
SAT Average
1553
34
ACT Midpoint
35
1500-1570
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$66,246
In-State Tuition
$61,676
$66,246
Out-of-State Tuition
$61,676
$31,944
Average Net Price
$19,066
$9,097
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,697
$6,994
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,991
$14,468
Net Price ($48-75K)
$2,091
$51,480
Net Price ($110K+)
$53,337
16%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
34%
Federal Loan Rate
4%

Academics

93%
Graduation Rate
97%
98%
Retention Rate
98%
92%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$13,972
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,048
10%
First-Gen Students
26%

Student Body

47%
Female
50%
22%
White
31%
10%
Hispanic
12%
4%
Black
9%
34%
Asian
22%
0.78
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$105,360
Earnings (6yr)
$99,572
$105,524
Earnings (8yr)
$101,095
$114,862
Earnings (10yr)
$101,817
$21,750
Median Debt
$14,000
0.19x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
85%
Earning Above HS
88%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

218.74%
Mobility Rate
175.92%
5320.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5774.2%
411.1%
From Bottom 20%
304.7%
$134,400
Parent Median Income
$174,000

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.69
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.02
7.1%
Volunteering Rate
9.6%

Research (Times HE)

#20
World Rank
#1
70.3
Teaching Score
99.7
79.3
Research Score
98.7
95.7
Citations Score
98.8

The Overviews

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit

12% accept 93% grad $114,862 earnings $31,944 net

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.

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

4% accept 97% grad $101,817 earnings $19,066 net

With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Harvard University is a place where the most driven and ambitious students find their footing. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to rigorous academic programs like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The environment here encourages intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, attracting a diverse group of scholars who are ready to engage deeply with their studies.

After graduation, the financial outlook is promising, with alumni earning an average of $101,817 within ten years. This level of earning power is a significant motivator for students considering their future. While the cost of education is an important factor, many graduates see a strong return on their investment, which makes the financial commitment worthwhile for those who can navigate the admissions process.

When we look at the practical aspects, the net price after aid stands at $19,066, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $14,000. This financial structure allows students to focus on their education without being overwhelmed by debt. Those who thrive at Harvard often share a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world, making the most of the resources and opportunities available to them.

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