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Carnegie Mellon University vs Lehigh University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private university in Pittsburgh, PA. Lehigh University is a private university in Bethlehem, PA. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants and Lehigh University about 26%, making Carnegie Mellon University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $31,944 a year at Carnegie Mellon University after aid, and about $36,931 at Lehigh University. About 93% of students graduate at Carnegie Mellon University, compared with 89% at Lehigh University. Ten years after enrolling, Carnegie Mellon University alumni earn a median of about $114,862, against $105,584 for Lehigh University.

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Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Bethlehem, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,304
5,898
Acceptance rate
12%
26%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1370–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
31–34
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,944
$36,931
Full cost / yr
$83,654
$80,856
In-state tuition
$66,246
$64,980
Out-of-state tuition
$66,246
$64,980
Application fee
$75
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,097
$16,917
$30k - $48k
$6,994
$17,140
$48k - $75k
$14,468
$18,722
$75k - $110k
$24,865
$22,184
Over $110k
$51,480
$48,751
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
89%
Freshman retention
98%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$105,360
$88,810
Median earnings (10 yr)
$114,862
$105,584
Median debt at graduation
$21,750
$21,960
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
18%
First-generation students
10%
17%
International students
19%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 1

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 Lehigh University harder to get into?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into. It admits about 12% of applicants, compared with 26% at Lehigh 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 Lehigh University?
Carnegie Mellon University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $31,944 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,931 at Lehigh 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 Lehigh University?
Before aid, Lehigh University costs about $80,856 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 Lehigh University?
Carnegie Mellon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,097 there, against about $16,917 at Lehigh 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 Lehigh University?
Carnegie Mellon University is the larger of the two, with about 7,304 undergraduates against 5,898 at Lehigh University.
Does Carnegie Mellon University or Lehigh University have a better graduation rate?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 89% at Lehigh University.
Do graduates of Carnegie Mellon University or Lehigh University earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $114,862 ten years after enrolling, against about $105,584 for Lehigh University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carnegie Mellon University and Lehigh University require SAT or ACT scores?
Carnegie Mellon University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Lehigh University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carnegie Mellon University and Lehigh University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Carnegie Mellon University and 1370–1500 at Lehigh University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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