Carnegie Mellon University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Pittsburgh, PA — University Park, PA
| Metric | Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA | University Park, PA |
| Type | Private Nonprofit | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 7,304 | 42,284 |
| Acceptance Rate | 11.7% | 60.6% |
| SAT Average | 1,546 | 1,337 |
| In-State Tuition | $66,246 | $20,644 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $66,246 | $41,790 |
| Avg Net Price | $31,944 | $32,875 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,750 | $25,000 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 93.3% | 85.9% |
| Retention Rate | 98.0% | 92.6% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $105,360 | $55,620 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $114,862 | $63,435 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 138300.0% | 3192600.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Carnegie Mellon University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus compare?▼
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. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Carnegie Mellon University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?▼
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $114,862 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Carnegie Mellon University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Carnegie Mellon University is the more affordable option at $31,944 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 93.3% vs 85.9%.
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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