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College comparison
Carnegie Mellon vs Claremont McKenna
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Carnegie Mellon Pittsburgh, PA |  Claremont McKenna Claremont, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateClaremont McKenna College is more selective | 12% | 10% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1470–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,304 | 1,388 |
| Avg net price | $31,944 | $28,849 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Carnegie Mellon reports higher median earnings | $114,862 | $104,736 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 91% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $13,500 |
| Economic mobility | 2.2% | 3.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Carnegie Mellon vs Claremont McKenna: how they compare
Carnegie Mellon and Claremont McKenna are both selective institutions offering different models of education: a large, research-intensive university versus a small, liberal arts college.
By the numbers The quantitative profiles are distinct. Carnegie Mellon is slightly more selective in standardized testing (SAT 25–75: 1500–1570 vs. CMC's 1470–1560), though Claremont McKenna has a marginally lower acceptance rate (10% vs. 12%). Post-graduate earnings favor CMU, with a 10-year median of $115k compared to $105k at CMC, though both schools offer identical value per dollar of net price at 3.6x. Claremont McKenna excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 296% significantly higher than CMU's 219%. Financially, CMU is more stable (DOE score: 3.0/3 vs. 2.5/3). CMU also reports a higher graduation rate (94% vs. 91%) and a specific metric for future scholars in science & engineering (yield: 8).
Where they overlap Both are selective institutions for students seeking strong financial returns on their educational investment. They attract high-achieving students and produce graduates with high earning potential.
How they differ The environments and core missions differ. Carnegie Mellon is a large research university in an urban setting, known for its technical and artistic strengths in fields like computer science, engineering, and the arts. Claremont McKenna is a small, suburban liberal arts college emphasizing leadership, government, and economics, with a Washington Program. It is part of a consortium of five undergraduate colleges, enabling a distinct academic and social environment.
Who each suits Carnegie Mellon suits students focused on STEM, technology, or the arts within a large university framework, who prioritize research opportunities. Claremont McKenna is a consideration for students interested in public policy, economics, or business who value a discussion-based liberal arts environment and a consortium-based campus life.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Carnegie Mellon University or Claremont McKenna College harder to get into?
- Claremont McKenna College is more selective: Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate is approximately 12% and Claremont McKenna College's is approximately 10% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Carnegie Mellon University vs Claremont McKenna College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Carnegie Mellon University and 1470–1560 at Claremont McKenna College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.