MIT vs Carnegie Mellon

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When looking at universities for pursuing higher studies, students often compare various aspects such as academics, campus life, costs, and outcomes. In this comparison, we will take a closer look at two prestigious institutions: MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Carnegie Mellon University.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

MIT Overview

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a world-renowned private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1861, MIT is known for its cutting-edge research and strong emphasis on science, engineering, and technology. The institution boasts numerous accolades and famous alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields.

MIT Costs & Tuition

The estimated cost of attendance at MIT, including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses, is around $73,160 per year. However, the university is committed to meeting the full financial need of its students, with almost 60% of undergraduates receiving financial aid.

MIT Admissions

MIT has a highly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 6.7% for the Class of 2024. Admitted students have a strong academic background, with more than 75% of them ranking in the top 5% of their high school class.

MIT Degrees Offered

MIT offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, including engineering, computer science, business, humanities, and social sciences. The university is divided into five schools, including the School of Engineering, the School of Science, the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, the School of Architecture and Planning, and the Sloan School of Management.

MIT Academics

MIT has a strong focus on research and is well-known for its undergraduate research opportunities. The faculty includes numerous Nobel laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and National Medal recipients. The student-faculty ratio at MIT is 8:1, ensuring that students have access to personalized attention and mentorship.

MIT Diversity

MIT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, with 47% of its undergraduate student population being female, and 43% identifying as an underrepresented minority. The university also has a significant international student population, with students coming from over 120 countries.

MIT Students

MIT has a thriving student community, with more than 450 recognized student organizations, including cultural groups, sports clubs, and community service initiatives. The university also has a strong focus on entrepreneurship, with various resources and programs to support students in launching their own ventures.

MIT Campus

MIT’s campus spans 168 acres along the Charles River, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and athletic fields. The university is known for its iconic buildings, such as the Stata Center and Kresge Auditorium, which showcase innovative architectural designs.

MIT Alumni

MIT boasts an impressive list of alumni, including 96 Nobel laureates, 58 National Medal of Science recipients, and 29 National Medal of Technology and Innovation winners. Notable alumni include Buzz Aldrin, Kofi Annan, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Salman Khan.

MIT Rankings

MIT consistently ranks among the top universities globally. In 2021, it ranked as the world’s third-best university by QS World University Rankings and the fourth-best by Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

MIT Outcomes

MIT graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a median starting salary of $82,000. The university also has strong connections with industry partners, offering numerous internship and co-op opportunities to its students.

Carnegie Mellon Overview

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1900, CMU has a reputation for excellence in fields such as computer science, engineering, business, and the arts. The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach and strong focus on research and innovation.

Carnegie Mellon Costs & Tuition

The estimated cost of attendance at Carnegie Mellon, including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses, is around $74,491 per year. However, the university is committed to providing financial aid to its students, with more than 50% of undergraduates receiving some form of financial assistance.

Carnegie Mellon Admissions

Carnegie Mellon has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 15% for the Class of 2024. Admitted students have strong academic backgrounds, with more than 80% ranking in the top 10% of their high school class.

Carnegie Mellon Degrees Offered

Carnegie Mellon offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across seven schools and colleges, including the College of Engineering, the School of Computer Science, the Tepper School of Business, the College of Fine Arts, the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Mellon College of Science, and the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.

Carnegie Mellon Academics

CMU is recognized for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in computer science and engineering. The university has a strong focus on research, with numerous research centers and institutes on campus. The student-faculty ratio at Carnegie Mellon is 13:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and guidance.

Carnegie Mellon Diversity

Carnegie Mellon is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, with 46% of its undergraduate student population being female, and 35% identifying as an underrepresented minority. The university also has a significant international student presence, representing more than 60 countries.

Carnegie Mellon Students

CMU has a vibrant student community, with over 350 student organizations, including cultural groups, sports clubs, and community service initiatives. The university also offers resources and support for entrepreneurship, with programs such as the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship.

Carnegie Mellon Campus

Carnegie Mellon’s campus spans 153 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and athletic facilities. The university’s campus has a mix of modern and traditional architecture, with iconic buildings such as the College of Fine Arts and the Cohon University Center.

Carnegie Mellon Alumni

Carnegie Mellon has a distinguished list of alumni, including 20 Nobel laureates, 10 Turing Award winners, and numerous Emmy, Tony, and Academy Award winners. Notable alumni include Randy Pausch, Andy Warhol, and David Tepper.

Carnegie Mellon Rankings

Carnegie Mellon consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide. In 2021, it ranked as the 49th best university globally by QS World University Rankings and the 28th best by Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Carnegie Mellon Outcome

CMU graduates are highly sought after for their skills and expertise, with a median starting salary of $70,000. The university has strong connections with industry partners, offering internship and co-op opportunities for its students.

MIT vs Carnegie Mellon Cost Comparison

Both MIT and Carnegie Mellon have similar costs of attendance, with MIT’s annual cost estimated at around $73,160 and Carnegie Mellon’s at $74,491. However, both universities are committed to providing financial aid to their students, with around 60% of MIT undergraduates and more than 50% of CMU undergraduates receiving some form of financial assistance.

MIT vs Carnegie Mellon Admissions Difficulty

MIT has a more competitive admissions process than Carnegie Mellon, with an acceptance rate of 6.7% compared to 15% at Carnegie Mellon. Both universities have high admissions standards, with the majority of admitted students ranking in the top 10% of their high school class.

MIT vs Carnegie Mellon Academic Difficulty

Both MIT and Carnegie Mellon are known for their rigorous academic programs, particularly in the fields of computer science, engineering, and technology. The student-faculty ratio at MIT is 8:1, while at Carnegie Mellon, it is 13:1. This suggests that students at both institutions have access to personalized attention and guidance from their faculty.

MIT vs Carnegie Mellon Outcome Comparison

Graduates from both MIT and Carnegie Mellon are highly sought after by employers, with median starting salaries of $82,000 for MIT graduates and $70,000 for CMU graduates. Both universities have strong connections with industry partners, providing numerous internship and co-op opportunities for their students.