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Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus

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

13
Carnegie Wins
16
Tied / N/A
17
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southeast
7,304
Enrollment
17,597
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

12%
Acceptance Rate
17%
1546
SAT Average
1480
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1500-1570
SAT Range
1410-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$66,246
In-State Tuition
$21,803
$66,246
Out-of-State Tuition
$59,512
$31,944
Average Net Price
$21,565
$9,097
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,174
$6,994
Net Price ($30-48K)
$9,696
$14,468
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,283
$51,480
Net Price ($110K+)
$35,402
16%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
34%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

93%
Graduation Rate
95%
98%
Retention Rate
98%
92%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$13,972
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,428
10%
First-Gen Students
16%

Student Body

47%
Female
55%
22%
White
49%
10%
Hispanic
8%
4%
Black
8%
34%
Asian
20%
0.78
Diversity Index
0.71

Outcomes

$105,360
Earnings (6yr)
$72,359
$105,524
Earnings (8yr)
$80,156
$114,862
Earnings (10yr)
$86,863
$21,750
Median Debt
$17,500
0.19x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
85%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

218.74%
Mobility Rate
N/A
5320.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
411.1%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$134,400
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
7.1%
Volunteering Rate
8.6%

Research (Times HE)

#20
World Rank
N/A
70.3
Teaching Score
N/A
79.3
Research Score
N/A
95.7
Citations Score
N/A

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.

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

17% accept 95% grad $86,863 earnings $21,565 net

With an acceptance rate of just 17%, the University of Virginia-Main Campus attracts students who are ready for an academically rigorous environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in a wide range of disciplines, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and computer science. Students here are not just looking for a degree; they’re aiming for a transformative college experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.

After graduation, students typically see solid returns on their investment. With a median earning of $86,863 ten years post-graduation, many graduates find themselves in a stable financial position. The affordable net price of $21,565 means that with careful planning and support, students can graduate with manageable debt, averaging around $17,500. This financial outlook is encouraging, especially for those who may worry about student loans impacting their future.

Ultimately, the practical aspects of attending UVA-Main Campus play a crucial role in student success. With a supportive environment, it’s a place where driven students can thrive, particularly those who are proactive about taking advantage of the resources available. This community fosters not just academic excellence but also personal growth, making it a smart choice for those ready to engage deeply in their education.

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