College comparison

Carnegie Mellon vs Stanford

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	Stanford Stanford, CA
Acceptance rateStanford University is more selective	12%	4%
SAT (25–75)	1500–1570	1510–1580
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	7,304	7,554
Avg net price	$31,944	$13,807
Median earnings (10 yr)Stanford reports higher median earnings	$114,862	$124,080
Graduation rate	94%	92%
Median debt	$21,750	$12,000
Economic mobility	2.2%	2.2%
Test policy	—	test-required
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)

Quick answers

Is Carnegie Mellon University or Stanford University harder to get into?

Stanford University is more selective: Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate is approximately 12% and Stanford University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Carnegie Mellon University vs Stanford University?

The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Carnegie Mellon University and 1510–1580 at Stanford 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.