Lake Forest College vs Carnegie Mellon University

Lake Forest, IL — Pittsburgh, PA

Metric
Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, IL
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Location Lake Forest, IL Pittsburgh, PA
Type Private Nonprofit Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 1,813 7,304
Acceptance Rate 56.8% 11.7%
SAT Average 1,343 1,546
In-State Tuition $56,402 $66,246
Out-of-State Tuition $56,402 $66,246
Avg Net Price $28,673 $31,944
Median Debt at Graduation $26,158 $21,750
4-Year Graduation Rate 74.3% 93.3%
Retention Rate 89.9% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $51,324 $105,360
Median Earnings (10 yr) $61,825 $114,862
Loan Repayment Rate 62400.0% 138300.0%

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

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Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, IL
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Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Lake Forest College and Carnegie Mellon University compare?
Lake Forest College (Lake Forest, IL) has an acceptance rate of 56.8%, in-state tuition of $56,402, and median 10-year earnings of $61,825. 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, Lake Forest College or Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $114,862 vs $61,825. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Lake Forest College or Carnegie Mellon University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Lake Forest College is the more affordable option at $28,673 per year versus $31,944.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 93.3% vs 74.3%.

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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