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College comparison
Carnegie Mellon vs Georgetown
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 |  Georgetown Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCarnegie Mellon University is more selective | 12% | 13% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1390–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,304 | 7,569 |
| Avg net price | $31,944 | $40,815 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Carnegie Mellon reports higher median earnings | $114,862 | $103,494 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 95% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $15,500 |
| Economic mobility | 2.2% | 1.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Carnegie Mellon vs Georgetown: how they compare
For an affluent, data-driven family, the choice between Carnegie Mellon and Georgetown hinges on prioritizing quantifiable ROI versus prestige in traditional power sectors.
By the numbers Carnegie Mellon demonstrates stronger financial metrics: its 10-year median graduate earnings are higher ($115k vs. $103k) at a significantly lower average net price ($32k vs. $41k), producing a superior value multiplier (3.6x vs. 2.5x earnings per dollar of net price). It also shows greater economic mobility (219% vs. 195%) and a slightly higher federal financial health score (3.0 vs. 2.4/3). Georgetown is marginally less selective (13% vs. 12% acceptance) with a wider SAT middle-50% range (1390–1550 vs. CMU's 1500–1570). Both share high graduation rates (95% vs. 94%).
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, private universities in major city settings (Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.) with excellent graduation outcomes. They attract academically driven, engaged student communities.
How they differ The cultures are distinct. Carnegie Mellon is a tech-centric powerhouse, renowned for its intense, collaborative culture in computer science, engineering, and the arts. Georgetown, steeped in Jesuit tradition and political capital, offers a classic liberal arts environment with a strong focus on government, international relations, and business, alongside vibrant campus traditions and social life.
Who each suits Carnegie Mellon suits the student intensely focused on STEM, design, or tech-adjacent fields, who values a culture of creation and quantifiable outcomes. Georgetown is ideal for the student drawn to politics, global affairs, and business, who thrives in a more traditional, pre-professional environment with deep roots in policy and networking.
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 Georgetown University harder to get into?
- Carnegie Mellon University is more selective: Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate is approximately 12% and Georgetown University's is approximately 13% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Carnegie Mellon University vs Georgetown University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Carnegie Mellon University and 1390–1550 at Georgetown University. 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.