Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Carnegie Mellon University vs Washington University in St Louis

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

17
Carnegie Wins
9
Tied / N/A
20
Washington Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Plains
7,304
Enrollment
7,857
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

12%
Acceptance Rate
12%
1546
SAT Average
1530
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1500-1570
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$66,246
In-State Tuition
$65,790
$66,246
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,790
$31,944
Average Net Price
$21,786
$9,097
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,716
$6,994
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,928
$14,468
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,578
$51,480
Net Price ($110K+)
$42,170
16%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
34%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

93%
Graduation Rate
94%
98%
Retention Rate
95%
92%
Full-Time Faculty
73%
$13,972
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,945
10%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

47%
Female
53%
22%
White
40%
10%
Hispanic
13%
4%
Black
9%
34%
Asian
21%
0.78
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$105,360
Earnings (6yr)
$78,073
$105,524
Earnings (8yr)
$81,347
$114,862
Earnings (10yr)
$86,182
$21,750
Median Debt
$17,500
0.19x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
85%
Earning Above HS
84%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

218.74%
Mobility Rate
103.72%
5320.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5350.8%
411.1%
From Bottom 20%
193.8%
$134,400
Parent Median Income
$180,200

Social Capital

1.83
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
7.1%
Volunteering Rate
11.1%

Research (Times HE)

#20
World Rank
#38
70.3
Teaching Score
58.9
79.3
Research Score
63
95.7
Citations Score
88.6

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 University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit

12% accept 94% grad $86,182 earnings $21,786 net

With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.

Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.

On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad