Carnegie Mellon vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

Compare Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carnegie Mellon University is larger than Vanderbilt based on total student enrollment (15,888 students vs. 13,575 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Carnegie Mellon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carnegie Mellon University 5:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Carnegie Mellon vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carnegie Mellon or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt University than Carnegie Mellon ($25,186 vs. $35,552).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carnegie Mellon University are 17.6% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($18,166 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carnegie Mellon (about $1,252 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $66,246.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.9% higher at Vanderbilt than at Carnegie Mellon University (about $1,252 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $66,246.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at Carnegie Mellon University (67% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanderbilt University students is 33.9% larger than aid received by Carnegie Mellon University students ($64,404 vs. $48,107).

Carnegie Mellon vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carnegie Mellon or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt and Carnegie Mellon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carnegie Mellon University (1540) is the same as at Vanderbilt (1540).
• Incoming Carnegie Mellon students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Vanderbilt (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carnegie Mellon University 1500/1570; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carnegie Mellon University 34/35; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carnegie Mellon - Test optional; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carnegie Mellon Jan 1, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carnegie Mellon students have the same average high school GPA (3.89) as students at Vanderbilt (3.89).
• Carnegie Mellon has a higher acceptance rate (11.7%) than Vanderbilt (5.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 45.7% at Carnegie Mellon vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Carnegie Mellon vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carnegie Mellon and Vanderbilt? 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).

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Carnegie Mellon University's (87%).
• Graduates from Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of about $19,600 more per year than Vanderbilt graduates about ten years after starting college ($102,700 vs. $83,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $12,250 lower median loan debt than Carnegie Mellon graduates ($14,000 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carnegie Mellon graduates ($144 vs. $271).
• More Carnegie Mellon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanderbilt students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 83%)

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.