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College comparison
Carnegie Mellon vs Penn
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 |  Penn Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateUniversity of Pennsylvania is more selective | 12% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1500–1570 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,304 | 10,650 |
| Avg net price | $31,944 | $28,699 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Carnegie Mellon reports higher median earnings | $114,862 | $111,371 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 97% |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $15,715 |
| Economic mobility | 2.2% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Carnegie Mellon vs Penn: how they compare
Two elite, high-return urban universities where the choice often hinges on academic focus and campus culture.
By the numbers Both are exceptionally selective, with Penn being more so (5% vs. 12% acceptance). Their admitted student SAT ranges are nearly identical (1510–1570 at Penn vs. 1500–1570 at CMU). Financially, Penn edges out CMU slightly on value, returning 3.9× earnings per dollar of net price versus CMU’s 3.6×, despite CMU’s higher 10-year median earnings ($115k vs. $111k). Both are powerful engines for economic mobility, with CMU showing a slightly higher rate (219% vs. 205%). Institutional stability is strong and equal, with both earning a perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial-health score, though Penn’s admit-rate volatility is higher (58% vs. 51%). CMU graduates more future scholars, with a future-scholar (S&E PhD) yield of 8. Graduation rates are outstanding at both (97% at Penn, 94% at CMU).
Where they overlap Both are highly competitive institutions located in major city settings (Pittsburgh and Philadelphia) with strong outcomes for graduates. They attract high-achieving students and share a focus on professional preparation and research.
How they differ The core distinction is cultural and academic. Carnegie Mellon is known for its technically-driven environment, centered on STEM, computer science, and the arts. The University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League member, offers a liberal arts core alongside its professional schools, including Wharton, with a culture oriented toward business and finance recruiting.
Who each suits Carnegie Mellon is a consideration for the student focused on computer science, engineering, or the technical arts, who thrives in a collaborative but intense environment. The University of Pennsylvania suits the student seeking a broader liberal arts experience with pathways into business and a more socially active 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 University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
- University of Pennsylvania is more selective: Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate is approximately 12% and University of Pennsylvania's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Pennsylvania?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1570 at Carnegie Mellon University and 1510–1570 at University of Pennsylvania. 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.