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Carnegie Mellon University vs Washington and Lee University

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

25
Carnegie Wins
10
Tied / N/A
11
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Town
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southeast
7,304
Enrollment
1,881
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

12%
Acceptance Rate
14%
1546
SAT Average
1498
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1500-1570
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$66,246
In-State Tuition
$68,045
$66,246
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,045
$31,944
Average Net Price
$23,781
$9,097
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$-1,777
$6,994
Net Price ($30-48K)
$75
$14,468
Net Price ($48-75K)
$4,497
$51,480
Net Price ($110K+)
$40,646
16%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
34%
Federal Loan Rate
14%

Academics

93%
Graduation Rate
94%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
92%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$13,972
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,155
10%
First-Gen Students
N/A

Student Body

47%
Female
44%
22%
White
68%
10%
Hispanic
9%
4%
Black
5%
34%
Asian
5%
0.78
Diversity Index
0.52

Outcomes

$105,360
Earnings (6yr)
$76,516
$105,524
Earnings (8yr)
$89,772
$114,862
Earnings (10yr)
$94,810
$21,750
Median Debt
$19,500
0.19x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.21x
85%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

218.74%
Mobility Rate
57.09%
5320.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5102.3%
411.1%
From Bottom 20%
111.9%
$134,400
Parent Median Income
$226,700

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
7.1%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

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.

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit

14% accept 94% grad $94,810 earnings $23,781 net

With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.

Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.

When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.

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