Head-to-Head Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs University of California-Los Angeles
- Carnegie Mellon Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 20
- California-Los Angeles Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Los Angeles offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Carnegie Mellon University achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 93%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $31,944 compared to University of California-Los Angeles's $12,548 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of California-Los Angeles's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 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, 39% more than University of California-Los Angeles
California-Los Angeles
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $19,396 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Carnegie Mellon graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); California-Los Angeles in Social Sciences (25%). 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 University of California-Los Angeles. Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment vs $82,511.
Pick University of California-Los Angeles over Carnegie Mellon University. Net price $12,548 vs $31,944.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Carnegie Mellon University and University of California-Los Angeles are close on paper, but University of California-Los Angeles wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of California-Los Angeles is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Carnegie Mellon University takes 12%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of California-Los Angeles 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, University of California-Los Angeles comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,548, about $19,396 a year below Carnegie Mellon University's $31,944. Graduates of University of California-Los Angeles also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $21,750.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $77,584 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-Los Angeles 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 $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles. That is a 39% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Los Angeles has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.17x to 0.19x.
So what: An earnings gap of 39% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of California-Los Angeles to keep costs and debt down; pick Carnegie Mellon University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of California-Los Angeles saves about $19,396 a year, yet Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $32,351 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Carnegie Mellon University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of California-Los Angeles leans toward Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $31,944 runs well above University of California-Los Angeles's $12,548.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,750, against $14,000 at University of California-Los Angeles.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of California-Los Angeles's enrollment, and Carnegie Mellon University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-Los Angeles's enrollment of 33,475 far exceeds Carnegie Mellon University's 7,304.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California-Los Angeles holds onto its admits more tightly: 48% of admitted students enroll, versus 47% at Carnegie Mellon — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Carnegie Mellon offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; California-Los Angeles 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) 4 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.
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
Only 9% of applicants gain admission to the University of California-Los Angeles, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. With an enrollment of nearly 33,500 students, UCLA combines a competitive environment with a high graduation rate of 93%. This commitment to student success reflects the university's dedication to academic excellence.
Graduates from UCLA see strong financial outcomes, with a median earnings of $82,511 a decade after graduation. While specific mobility metrics are not available, the university's programs in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, and Engineering contribute to its reputation for fostering upward economic mobility among its graduates. The 28% of students receiving Pell Grants highlights its support for low-income students, balancing accessibility with high achievement.
Attending UCLA comes with a net price of $12,548 and a median debt of $14,000, making it a financially viable option for many students. Those who thrive here are often driven, academically inclined, and eager to engage in a vibrant campus culture. With a strong focus on research and a diverse student body, UCLA is well-suited for those looking to make an impact in their chosen fields.
Rankings They Appear On
Carnegie Mellon University and University of California-Los Angeles appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual, Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 — Carnegie Mellon University outranks University of California-Los Angeles by 44 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Carnegie Mellon's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while California-Los Angeles leads with Sociology (25%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Carnegie Mellon) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for California-Los Angeles).
The two schools feed different job markets. Carnegie Mellon University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, Business & Marketing, while University of California-Los Angeles concentrates in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, 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 University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 12% at Carnegie Mellon University.
Which is more affordable, Carnegie Mellon University or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,548 after aid versus $31,944 at Carnegie Mellon University.
Do Carnegie Mellon University or University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more: median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,511 at University of California-Los Angeles.
Which has a better graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or University of California-Los Angeles?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 93%.
Should you choose Carnegie Mellon University or University of California-Los Angeles?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-Los Angeles if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Carnegie Mellon University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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