Head-to-Head Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Washington and Lee University
- Carnegie Mellon Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 17
- Washington Lee Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Washington and Lee University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $23,781 vs Carnegie Mellon University's $31,944, Washington and Lee University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Washington and Lee 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, 21% more than Washington and Lee University
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 12% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Washington Lee
- Lower cost: Average net price of $23,781, roughly $8,163 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Carnegie Mellon graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); Washington Lee in Business & Marketing (32%). 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 Washington and Lee University. Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment vs $94,810.
Pick Washington and Lee University over Carnegie Mellon University. Net price $23,781 vs $31,944.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Washington and Lee University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 0.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Carnegie Mellon University and Washington and Lee University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Carnegie Mellon University is the harder admit. It takes 12% of applicants, while Washington and Lee University takes 14%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,498.
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, Washington and Lee University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $23,781, about $8,163 a year below Carnegie Mellon University's $31,944. Graduates of Washington and Lee University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,750.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $32,652 before any change in aid. Choosing Washington and Lee 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 $94,810 at Washington and Lee University. That is a 21% advantage. Set against borrowing, Carnegie Mellon University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 21% 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.
Moving people up
Carnegie Mellon University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Washington and Lee University, it is 0.6%. Carnegie Mellon University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Carnegie Mellon University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Washington and Lee University to keep costs and debt down; pick Carnegie Mellon University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Washington and Lee University saves about $8,163 a year, yet Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $20,052 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 Washington and Lee University leans toward Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Washington and Lee University's $23,781.
- Business and consulting-track students: Carnegie Mellon University has less business program depth, and Washington and Lee University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Carnegie Mellon University's enrollment of 7,304 far exceeds Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Washington and Lee University's enrollment, and Carnegie Mellon University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Carnegie Mellon holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 41% at Washington Lee — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Washington Lee (33.9% Early Decision admit rate vs 20.6%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
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.
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit
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.
Rankings They Appear On
Carnegie Mellon University is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Carnegie Mellon's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while Washington Lee leads with Business Administration (32%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Carnegie Mellon) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. Carnegie Mellon University is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while Washington and Lee University 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Carnegie Mellon University or Washington and Lee University?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 14% at Washington and Lee University.
Which is more affordable, Carnegie Mellon University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is more affordable, with an average net price of $23,781 after aid versus $31,944 at Carnegie Mellon University.
Do Carnegie Mellon University or Washington and Lee University graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more: median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, versus $94,810 at Washington and Lee University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 93%.
Carnegie Mellon University vs Washington and Lee University: which is better for social mobility?
Carnegie Mellon University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 0.6%.
Should you choose Carnegie Mellon University or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Washington and Lee University 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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