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Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Pennsylvania

3

Carnegie Mellon University

4

University of Pennsylvania

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric Carnegie Mellon University University of Pennsylvania Winner
Acceptance Rate 11% 6% University of Pennsylvania
Graduation Rate 92% 97% University of Pennsylvania
Avg Earnings (5yr) $105,360 $90,555 Carnegie Mellon University
Median Debt $21,750 $15,715 University of Pennsylvania
Tuition (In-State) $63,829 $66,104 Carnegie Mellon University
Retention Rate 97% 98% University of Pennsylvania
Financial Aid 36% 10% Carnegie Mellon University

Comparison Analysis

Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more, with a median salary of $105,360, compared to the University of Pennsylvania's $90,555. However, Carnegie Mellon's tuition is slightly lower at $63,829, while the University of Pennsylvania's tuition is $66,104. The University of Pennsylvania has a higher graduation rate of 96.5%, exceeding Carnegie Mellon's 92%. Carnegie Mellon has a higher acceptance rate at 11.4%, whereas the University of Pennsylvania's acceptance rate is 5.9%.

Based on these metrics, Carnegie Mellon graduates earn significantly more, but the University of Pennsylvania has a higher graduation rate. The University of Pennsylvania is more selective. The cost of attendance is similar.

For students prioritizing post-graduation earnings, Carnegie Mellon may be the better choice. Students prioritizing graduation rates and selectivity may prefer the University of Pennsylvania.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major Carnegie Mellon University Earnings University of Pennsylvania Earnings Difference
Computer and Information Sciences, General $138,781 $125,122 11% favor Carnegie Mellon University
Computer and Information Sciences, General $138,781 $146,204 5% favor University of Pennsylvania
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $169,421 $88,419 92% favor Carnegie Mellon University
Computer and Information Sciences, General $138,781 $0 —
Business Administration, Management and Operations $95,891 $210,400 119% favor University of Pennsylvania
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $169,421 $104,502 62% favor Carnegie Mellon University
Business Administration, Management and Operations $165,798 $210,400 27% favor University of Pennsylvania
Business Administration, Management and Operations $0 $210,400 —
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $160,336 $0 —
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $160,336 $0 —

Quick Facts

Carnegie Mellon University

Type Private Non-Profit
Location Pittsburgh, PA
Setting City
Students 7,187

University of Pennsylvania

Type Private Non-Profit
Location Philadelphia, PA
Setting City
Students 10,768

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carnegie Mellon University has median earnings of $105,360 and tuition of $63,829. University of Pennsylvania has median earnings of $90,555 and tuition of $66,104. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

Explore Further

Carnegie Mellon University ROI Analysis
University of Pennsylvania ROI Analysis