Hofstra vs. Carnegie Mellon

Comparable Facts

Compare Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY with Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carnegie Mellon University is larger than Hofstra based on total student enrollment (15,888 students vs. 10,685 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hofstra University is located in Hempstead, NY (Large Suburban setting); Carnegie Mellon University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Hofstra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carnegie Mellon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hofstra University 13:1; Carnegie Mellon University 5:1.

Hofstra vs. Carnegie Mellon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hofstra or Carnegie Mellon? 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 Carnegie Mellon University than Hofstra ($35,552 vs. $35,792).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hofstra University are 0.5% lower than at Carnegie Mellon University ($18,082 vs. $18,166).
• Carnegie Mellon University is 14.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hofstra (about $8,586 more per year; $66,246.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.9% higher at Carnegie Mellon than at Hofstra University (about $8,586 more per year; $66,246.00 vs. $57,660.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hofstra University than at Carnegie Mellon University (99% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carnegie Mellon University students is 37.2% larger than aid received by Hofstra University students ($48,107 vs. $35,061).

Hofstra vs. Carnegie Mellon Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carnegie Mellon University (1540) is 220 points higher than at Hofstra (1320).
• Incoming Carnegie Mellon students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Hofstra).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hofstra University 1230/1400; Carnegie Mellon University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hofstra University 28/32; Carnegie Mellon University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hofstra - Test optional; Carnegie Mellon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carnegie Mellon Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carnegie Mellon students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Hofstra (3.74).
• Hofstra has a higher acceptance rate (68.1%) than Carnegie Mellon (11.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Hofstra vs. 45.7% at Carnegie Mellon.

Hofstra vs. Carnegie Mellon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hofstra and Carnegie Mellon? 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 Hofstra University's (58%).
• Graduates from Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of about $43,500 more per year than Hofstra graduates about ten years after starting college ($102,700 vs. $59,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hofstra University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Carnegie Mellon graduates ($23,500 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Hofstra graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carnegie Mellon graduates ($242 vs. $271).
• More Carnegie Mellon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hofstra students, three years after graduation. (91% vs. 72%)

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.