California Institute of Technology vs Carnegie Mellon University

Pasadena, CA — Pittsburgh, PA

Metric
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Location Pasadena, CA Pittsburgh, PA
Type Private Nonprofit Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 987 7,304
Acceptance Rate 2.6% 11.7%
SAT Average 1,546
In-State Tuition $65,898 $66,246
Out-of-State Tuition $65,898 $66,246
Avg Net Price $16,075 $31,944
Median Debt at Graduation $21,750
4-Year Graduation Rate 93.8% 93.3%
Retention Rate 97.4% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $132,140 $105,360
Median Earnings (10 yr) $128,566 $114,862
Loan Repayment Rate 4100.0% 138300.0%

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

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California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA
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Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University compare?
California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA) has an acceptance rate of 2.6%, in-state tuition of $65,898, and median 10-year earnings of $128,566. 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 Institute of Technology or Carnegie Mellon University?
California Institute of Technology graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $128,566 vs $114,862. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Institute of Technology or Carnegie Mellon University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California Institute of Technology is the more affordable option at $16,075 per year versus $31,944.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
California Institute of Technology has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 93.8% vs 93.3%.

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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