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College comparison
Carnegie Mellon vs Notre Dame
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 |  Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Notre Dame is more selective | 12% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1455–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,304 | 8,818 |
| Avg net price | $31,944 | $26,780 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Carnegie Mellon reports higher median earnings | $114,862 | $99,980 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 95% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $19,000 |
| Economic mobility | 2.2% | 0.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Carnegie Mellon vs Notre Dame: how they compare
Two private universities offering distinct pathways: one with a focus on technology and creative fields, the other with a tradition of holistic community.
By the numbers Carnegie Mellon (CMU) shows a higher earnings premium, with a 10-year median of $115k versus Notre Dame's $100k. This comes at a slightly higher average net price ($32k vs. $27k), though both offer strong financial value (CMU 3.6×, Notre Dame 3.7× earnings per dollar). Selectivity is virtually identical (CMU 12%, Notre Dame 11% acceptance), with CMU's middle 50% SAT range (1500–1570) slightly higher than Notre Dame's (1455–1560). A stark contrast is in economic mobility: CMU's rate is 219%, more than double Notre Dame's 90%. CMU also has a stronger federal financial health score (3.0/3) and a higher future scholar yield (8 vs. Notre Dame's unreported figure). Both have exceptional graduation rates (CMU 94%, Notre Dame 95%).
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, private institutions with strong graduation outcomes and financial value for the investment. They attract high-achieving students.
How they differ The core distinction is cultural and environmental. CMU, located in Pittsburgh, is defined by its project-driven focus in computer science, engineering, and the arts, with students often describing a collaborative environment. Notre Dame, in a suburban setting, is rooted in its Catholic identity and a campus life that includes football and a sense of service and community. It is perceived as offering a balanced undergraduate experience.
Carnegie Mellon suits the student focused on STEM, technology, or the arts, who is comfortable in a rigorous, creative, and collaborative urban environment. Notre Dame is for the student seeking a tight-knit, tradition-rich community where faith, service, athletics, and a well-rounded liberal arts education are part of the experience.
Quick answers
- Is Carnegie Mellon University or University of Notre Dame harder to get into?
- University of Notre Dame is more selective: Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate is approximately 12% and University of Notre Dame's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Notre Dame?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Carnegie Mellon University and 1455–1560 at University of Notre Dame. 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.