California College of the Arts vs Carnegie Mellon University

San Francisco, CA — Pittsburgh, PA

Metric
California College of the Arts
San Francisco, CA
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Location San Francisco, CA Pittsburgh, PA
Type Private Nonprofit Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 990 7,304
Acceptance Rate 91.1% 11.7%
SAT Average 1,546
In-State Tuition $60,226 $66,246
Out-of-State Tuition $60,226 $66,246
Avg Net Price $53,909 $31,944
Median Debt at Graduation $27,000 $21,750
4-Year Graduation Rate 62.3% 93.3%
Retention Rate 86.7% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $38,308 $105,360
Median Earnings (10 yr) $49,414 $114,862
Loan Repayment Rate 59800.0% 138300.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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California College of the Arts
San Francisco, CA
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Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California College of the Arts and Carnegie Mellon University compare?
California College of the Arts (San Francisco, CA) has an acceptance rate of 91.1%, in-state tuition of $60,226, and median 10-year earnings of $49,414. Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) has an acceptance rate of 11.7%, in-state tuition of $66,246, and median 10-year earnings of $114,862.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California College of the Arts or Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $114,862 vs $49,414. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California College of the Arts or Carnegie Mellon University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Carnegie Mellon University is the more affordable option at $31,944 per year versus $53,909.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 93.3% vs 62.3%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025