Head-to-Head Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 18
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Carnegie Mellon University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $31,944 vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513, 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.
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, 13% more than Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Lower cost: Average net price of $31,944, roughly $10,569 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
Rose-Hulman Technology
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); Rose-Hulman Technology in Engineering (73%). 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment vs $101,253.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $31,944 vs $42,513.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. 93% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Carnegie Mellon University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,427.
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 $10,569 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513. Graduates of Carnegie Mellon University also borrow less: median debt of $21,750, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $42,276 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 $101,253 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. That is a 13% advantage. Set against borrowing, Carnegie Mellon University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 13% 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 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% 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.
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.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Carnegie Mellon University's enrollment of 7,304 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $42,513 runs well above Carnegie Mellon University's $31,944.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Carnegie Mellon offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Rose-Hulman Technology 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) 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.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
Rankings They Appear On
Carnegie Mellon University is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Mechanical Engineering as their top enrolled program field, comprising 23% of Carnegie Mellon's student body and 73% of Rose-Hulman Technology's.
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 Rose-Hulman Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Carnegie Mellon University is strongest in Business & Marketing, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates in Physical Sciences. 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Carnegie Mellon University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Carnegie Mellon University is more affordable, with an average net price of $31,944 after aid versus $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do Carnegie Mellon University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more: median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, versus $101,253 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which has a better graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 80%.
Should you choose Carnegie Mellon University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
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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