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Carnegie Mellon University vs Drexel University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private university in Pittsburgh, PA, and Drexel University is a private university in Philadelphia, PA. Carnegie Mellon University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 12% of applicants against 79% at Drexel University. Carnegie Mellon University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $31,944 a year against $38,509 at Drexel University. About 93% of students graduate at Carnegie Mellon University, compared with 78% at Drexel University. Ten years after enrolling, Carnegie Mellon University alumni earn a median of about $114,862, against $84,648 for Drexel University.

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,304
13,233
Acceptance rate
12%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.48–3.98
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1240–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
27–32
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,944
$38,509
Full cost / yr
$83,654
$76,835
In-state tuition
$66,246
$62,412
Out-of-state tuition
$66,246
$62,412
Application fee
$75
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,097
$28,055
$30k - $48k
$6,994
$29,435
$48k - $75k
$14,468
$34,970
$75k - $110k
$24,865
$37,842
Over $110k
$51,480
$48,089
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
78%
Freshman retention
98%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$105,360
$69,063
Median earnings (10 yr)
$114,862
$84,648
Median debt at graduation
$21,750
$25,325
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
27%
First-generation students
10%
29%
International students
19%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Carnegie Mellon University or Drexel University harder to get into?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into. It admits about 12% of applicants, compared with 79% at Drexel University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Carnegie Mellon University or Drexel University?
Carnegie Mellon University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $31,944 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,509 at Drexel University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Carnegie Mellon University and Drexel University?
Before aid, Drexel University costs about $76,835 a year and Carnegie Mellon University about $83,654. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Carnegie Mellon University or Drexel University?
Carnegie Mellon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,097 there, against about $28,055 at Drexel University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Carnegie Mellon University or Drexel University?
Drexel University is the larger of the two, with about 13,233 undergraduates against 7,304 at Carnegie Mellon University.
Does Carnegie Mellon University or Drexel University have a better graduation rate?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 78% at Drexel University.
Do graduates of Carnegie Mellon University or Drexel University earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $114,862 ten years after enrolling, against about $84,648 for Drexel University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carnegie Mellon University and Drexel University require SAT or ACT scores?
Carnegie Mellon University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Drexel University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carnegie Mellon University and Drexel University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Carnegie Mellon University and 1240–1440 at Drexel University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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