Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University are both private nonprofit institutions — University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, 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.
Philadelphia, PA · Private
Acceptance rate: 5.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 10,650
Tuition: $68,686/year
Student-faculty ratio: 8.0:1
Graduation rate: 96.5%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Philadelphia, PA with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
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.
| Factor | University of Pennsylvania | Carnegie Mellon University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 11.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1510–1570 |
| 1500–1570 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 34–36 | 34–35 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 10,650 | 7,304 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,686/year | $66,246/year |
| Average net price after aid | $28,699 | $31,944 |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 94.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $111,371 | $114,862 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 8.0:1 | 5.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Health professions | Engineering, Computer science, Mathematics |
University of Pennsylvania is more selective (5.4% vs 11.7% acceptance rate). University of Pennsylvania has a lower average net price after grant aid ($28,699 vs $31,944). University of Pennsylvania reports the higher graduation rate (96.5% vs 94.1%). University of Pennsylvania is the larger undergraduate campus (10,650 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.
University of Pennsylvania vs Swarthmore College
5.4% vs 7.5% acceptance rate
University of Pennsylvania vs Haverford College
5.4% vs 12.4% acceptance rate
University of Pennsylvania vs Curtis Institute of Music
5.4% vs 4.6% acceptance rate
University of Pennsylvania vs Lehigh University
5.4% vs 25.9% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University
University of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5.4%; Carnegie Mellon University is around 11.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Pennsylvania tuition is $68,686/year. Carnegie Mellon University is $66,246/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.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
Open Comparison Tool