Carnegie Mellon University vs West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University is a private university in Pittsburgh, PA, and West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public university in West Chester, PA. Carnegie Mellon University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 12% of applicants against 78% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,331 a year against $31,944 at Carnegie Mellon University. About 93% of students graduate at Carnegie Mellon University, compared with 70% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Ten years after enrolling, Carnegie Mellon University alumni earn a median of about $114,862, against $61,258 for West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
West Chester, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,304
14,164
Acceptance rate
12%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1100–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
24–28
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,944
$23,331
Full cost / yr
$83,654
$28,394
In-state tuition
$66,246
$10,775
Out-of-state tuition
$66,246
$22,599
Application fee
$75
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,097
$17,018
$30k - $48k
$6,994
$17,414
$48k - $75k
$14,468
$20,417
$75k - $110k
$24,865
$24,715
Over $110k
$51,480
$27,160
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
70%
Freshman retention
98%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$105,360
$51,013
Median earnings (10 yr)
$114,862
$61,258
Median debt at graduation
$21,750
$23,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
25%
First-generation students
10%
28%
International students
19%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Rolling
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.
- Is Carnegie Mellon University or West Chester University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
- Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into. It admits about 12% of applicants, compared with 78% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,331 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,944 at Carnegie Mellon 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
- Before aid, West Chester University of Pennsylvania costs about $28,394 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
- Carnegie Mellon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,097 there, against about $17,018 at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Carnegie Mellon University or West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania is the larger of the two, with about 14,164 undergraduates against 7,304 at Carnegie Mellon University.
- Does Carnegie Mellon University or West Chester University of Pennsylvania have a better graduation rate?
- Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 70% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
- Do graduates of Carnegie Mellon University or West Chester University of Pennsylvania earn more?
- Carnegie Mellon University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $114,862 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,258 for West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Carnegie Mellon University and West Chester University of Pennsylvania require SAT or ACT scores?
- Carnegie Mellon University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. West Chester University of Pennsylvania considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Carnegie Mellon University and West Chester University of Pennsylvania look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Carnegie Mellon University and 1100–1270 at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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