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Carnegie Mellon University and Lehigh University are both private nonprofit institutions — Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA and Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Pittsburgh, PA · Private
Acceptance rate: 11.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 7,304
Tuition: $66,246/year
Student-faculty ratio: 5.0:1
Graduation rate: 94.1%
Top programs: Engineering, Computer science, Mathematics
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Pittsburgh, PA with published program strength in Engineering and Computer science.
Bethlehem, PA · Private
Acceptance rate: 25.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 5,898
Tuition: $64,980/year
Student-faculty ratio: 10.0:1
Graduation rate: 87.9%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Computer science
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Bethlehem, PA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
| Factor | Carnegie Mellon University | Lehigh University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 25.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1500–1570 |
| 1370–1500 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 34–35 | 31–34 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 7,304 | 5,898 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $66,246/year | $64,980/year |
| Average net price after aid | $31,944 | $36,931 |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 87.9% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $114,862 | $105,584 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 5.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA | Bethlehem, PA |
| Largest program areas | Engineering, Computer science, Mathematics | Business and marketing, Engineering, Computer science |
Carnegie Mellon University is more selective (11.7% vs 25.9% acceptance rate). Carnegie Mellon University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($31,944 vs $36,931). Carnegie Mellon University reports the higher graduation rate (94.1% vs 87.9%). Carnegie Mellon University is the larger undergraduate campus (7,304 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Carnegie Mellon University and Lehigh University
Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 11.7%; Lehigh University is around 25.9%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Carnegie Mellon University tuition is $66,246/year. Lehigh University is $64,980/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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