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Carnegie Mellon University vs Northeastern University

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

19
Carnegie Wins
8
Tied / N/A
19
Northeastern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
7,304
Enrollment
17,326
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

12%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1546
SAT Average
1497
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1500-1570
SAT Range
1440-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$66,246
In-State Tuition
$66,162
$66,246
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,162
$31,944
Average Net Price
$30,915
$9,097
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,264
$6,994
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,436
$14,468
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,301
$51,480
Net Price ($110K+)
$47,696
16%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
34%
Federal Loan Rate
27%

Academics

93%
Graduation Rate
90%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
92%
Full-Time Faculty
70%
$13,972
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,218
10%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

47%
Female
54%
22%
White
40%
10%
Hispanic
10%
4%
Black
5%
34%
Asian
22%
0.78
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$105,360
Earnings (6yr)
$78,413
$105,524
Earnings (8yr)
$82,813
$114,862
Earnings (10yr)
$92,538
$21,750
Median Debt
$24,250
0.19x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.26x
85%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

218.74%
Mobility Rate
243.76%
5320.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4736.7%
411.1%
From Bottom 20%
514.6%
$134,400
Parent Median Income
$108,300

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.79
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.03
7.1%
Volunteering Rate
8.4%

Research (Times HE)

#20
World Rank
#201-225
70.3
Teaching Score
30.4
79.3
Research Score
18.9
95.7
Citations Score
70

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.

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 90% grad $92,538 earnings $30,915 net

Northeastern University in Boston is an excellent fit for students who are driven and ready to engage in a highly competitive academic environment. With an acceptance rate of just 5%, it attracts those who excel in their studies and seek a dynamic campus experience. Students here often dive into popular programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. This variety allows for a rich educational experience and a chance to connect with peers across different fields.

Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $92,538 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for upward mobility, especially considering the strong graduation rate of 90%. While affordability can be a concern for many students, the financial landscape here is manageable, with a net price of $30,915 after aid. This balance between cost and earning potential is a significant advantage for graduates.

When it comes to practical considerations, the typical debt load for students at Northeastern is around $24,250. This is relatively low compared to their earning potential, making it easier for graduates to pay off loans while enjoying their careers. The environment here tends to suit those who are ambitious and ready to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and networking opportunities. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and values real-world experience alongside academic rigor, Northeastern could be a great choice for you.

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