Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona vs Carnegie Mellon University
Altoona, PA — Pittsburgh, PA
| Metric | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona Altoona, PA | Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Altoona, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 2,367 | 7,304 |
| Acceptance Rate | 98.1% | 11.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,187 | 1,546 |
| In-State Tuition | $15,972 | $66,246 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $26,958 | $66,246 |
| Avg Net Price | $22,213 | $31,944 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 | $21,750 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 17.2% | 93.3% |
| Retention Rate | 79.5% | 98.0% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $55,620 | $105,360 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $114,862 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 3192600.0% | 138300.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
Altoona, PA
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Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona and Carnegie Mellon University compare?▼
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona (Altoona, PA) has an acceptance rate of 98.1%, in-state tuition of $15,972, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. 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, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or Carnegie Mellon University?▼
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, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or Carnegie Mellon University?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona is the more affordable option at $22,213 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 17.2%.
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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