Carnegie Mellon vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

Compare Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA with University of Richmond in University of Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carnegie Mellon University is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (15,888 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Carnegie Mellon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carnegie Mellon University 5:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

Carnegie Mellon vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carnegie Mellon or University of Richmond? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Richmond than Carnegie Mellon ($30,037 vs. $35,552).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 5.6% lower than at Carnegie Mellon University ($17,140 vs. $18,166).
• Carnegie Mellon University is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Richmond (about $1,016 more per year; $66,246.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at Carnegie Mellon than at University of Richmond (about $1,016 more per year; $66,246.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Richmond than at Carnegie Mellon University (56% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 6.1% larger than aid received by Carnegie Mellon University students ($51,039 vs. $48,107).

Carnegie Mellon vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carnegie Mellon or University of Richmond? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Richmond and Carnegie Mellon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carnegie Mellon University (1540) is 70 points higher than at University of Richmond (1470).
• Incoming Carnegie Mellon students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at University of Richmond (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carnegie Mellon University 1500/1570; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carnegie Mellon University 34/35; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carnegie Mellon - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carnegie Mellon Jan 1, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carnegie Mellon students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at University of Richmond (3.71).
• University of Richmond has a higher acceptance rate (22.2%) than Carnegie Mellon (11.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.7% at Carnegie Mellon vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

Carnegie Mellon vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carnegie Mellon and University of Richmond? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Carnegie Mellon University's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than University of Richmond's (83%).
• Graduates from Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of about $28,800 more per year than University of Richmond graduates about ten years after starting college ($102,700 vs. $73,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $5,102 lower median loan debt than Carnegie Mellon graduates ($21,148 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carnegie Mellon graduates ($218 vs. $271).
• More Carnegie Mellon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.