The process of choosing the right college or university is an important decision, as it largely determines the academic and social experience for the next few years. In this article, we will compare two well-known institutions: Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). We will provide an overview of each school, including information about costs, tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
Carnegie Mellon Overview
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1900 by industrialist Andrew Carnegie and has grown into a renowned institution known for its programs in computer science, engineering, business, and the arts. With approximately 14,500 students, CMU boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and numerous research opportunities.
Carnegie Mellon Costs & Tuition
Tuition at CMU for the 2021-2022 academic year is $58,924 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Additional fees and expenses, such as room and board, can bring the total cost of attendance to around $76,000 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with approximately 60% of undergraduate students receiving some form of need-based financial aid.
Carnegie Mellon Admissions
Admission to CMU is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 15%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. In addition, some programs and majors may require supplemental materials or auditions.
Carnegie Mellon Degrees Offered
CMU offers more than 100 undergraduate degree programs across its seven colleges and schools, including the College of Engineering, the School of Computer Science, the College of Fine Arts, and the Tepper School of Business. Graduate programs are also available, with a wide range of master’s and doctoral degrees offered.
Carnegie Mellon Academics
The academic environment at CMU is rigorous and challenging, with a focus on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students can expect to be pushed to their limits and encouraged to explore new ideas and approaches. CMU is particularly well-regarded for its programs in computer science, engineering, and robotics.
Carnegie Mellon Diversity
CMU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community, with students from more than 60 countries. Approximately 23% of the undergraduate student population are international students, and 28% of domestic students identify as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group.
Carnegie Mellon Students
CMU’s student body is diverse and talented, with a strong focus on academic achievement and research. Students at CMU are known for their passion, creativity, and dedication to their studies, often working on cutting-edge projects and research. Opportunities for extracurricular activities and student-run organizations are plentiful, with more than 300 clubs and organizations available.
Carnegie Mellon Campus
The CMU campus is located on 153 acres in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, providing a mix of urban and suburban environments. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, studios, and performance spaces. Students also have access to numerous dining options, recreational facilities, and a vibrant arts scene.
Carnegie Mellon Alumni
CMU has a strong alumni network, with graduates going on to excel in various fields, including business, technology, and the arts. Notable alumni include Google CEO Sundar Pichai, artist Andy Warhol, and actress Holly Hunter.
Carnegie Mellon Rankings
According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, CMU is ranked #26 among National Universities and #9 for Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. In the 2021 QS World University Rankings, CMU is ranked #51 globally.
Carnegie Mellon Outcomes
CMU graduates have a strong track record of success, with a 93% placement rate for employment or graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for CMU graduates is approximately $75,000 per year.
Cal Poly Overview
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is a public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. Established in 1901, Cal Poly is known for its hands-on, experiential learning approach and strong programs in engineering, architecture, and agriculture. The university has a total enrollment of approximately 21,000 students.
Cal Poly Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Cal Poly for the 2021-2022 academic year is $9,943 for in-state students and $25,881 for out-of-state students. Additional expenses, such as room and board, can raise the total cost of attendance to around $30,000 for in-state students and $46,000 for out-of-state students. Approximately 60% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.
Cal Poly Admissions
Admission to Cal Poly is competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 28%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and complete the UC application, which includes several personal insight questions. Some majors may require additional materials or interviews.
Cal Poly Degrees Offered
Cal Poly offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs, as well as several graduate programs, across its six colleges: the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences; the College of Architecture & Environmental Design; the Orfalea College of Business; the College of Engineering; the College of Liberal Arts; and the College of Science & Mathematics.
Cal Poly Academics
The academic environment at Cal Poly emphasizes hands-on learning, with a strong focus on practical experience and problem-solving. The university’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy encourages students to engage in real-world projects and experiences, often collaborating with industry partners. Cal Poly is particularly well-known for its engineering, architecture, and agriculture programs.
Cal Poly Diversity
Cal Poly is working to improve diversity and inclusivity on its campus, with approximately 42% of the undergraduate student population identifying as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group. The university has implemented various programs and initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and fostering a more inclusive campus community.
Cal Poly Students
Students at Cal Poly are driven and academically focused, with a strong commitment to hands-on learning and practical experience. The university offers numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities, including more than 300 clubs and organizations covering a wide range of interests.
Cal Poly Campus
Cal Poly’s campus is situated on 9,678 acres in San Luis Obispo, a picturesque town on California’s Central Coast. The campus features modern facilities and a variety of recreational and outdoor spaces. Students also have access to nearby beaches, hiking trails, and a vibrant local community.
Cal Poly Alumni
Cal Poly has an extensive alumni network, with graduates finding success in various industries, including engineering, architecture, and agriculture. Notable alumni include architect Thom Mayne, journalist Johnnie Cochran, and director James Brolin.
Cal Poly Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Cal Poly is ranked #3 among Regional Universities West and #2 for Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. The university is also ranked #11 in the 2021 QS World University Rankings for the United States.
Cal Poly Outcomes
Graduates of Cal Poly have a strong track record of success, with a 95% placement rate for employment or graduate school within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for Cal Poly graduates is approximately $62,000 per year.
Carnegie Mellon vs Cal Poly Cost Comparison
Carnegie Mellon is a private institution with a higher tuition cost, at $58,924 per year for both in-state and out-of-state students, while Cal Poly, a public university, has lower tuition costs at $9,943 for in-state students and $25,881 for out-of-state students. However, both universities offer financial aid opportunities, with around 60% of undergraduate students at each school receiving some form of aid.
Carnegie Mellon vs Cal Poly Admissions Difficulty
Both universities have competitive admissions processes. Carnegie Mellon has a lower acceptance rate at 15%, while Cal Poly’s acceptance rate is slightly higher at 28%. Both schools require applicants to submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and essays or personal insight questions. Some programs at both universities may require additional materials or interviews.
Carnegie Mellon vs Cal Poly Academic Difficulty
The academic environment at both universities is challenging and rigorous, with a focus on innovation and real-world applications. Carnegie Mellon is particularly renowned for its computer science, engineering, and robotics programs, while Cal Poly is well-regarded for its engineering, architecture, and agriculture programs. Both schools emphasize hands-on learning and practical experience, with Carnegie Mellon offering more interdisciplinary research opportunities and Cal Poly focusing on its “Learn by Doing” philosophy.
Carnegie Mellon vs Cal Poly Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both universities have high placement rates for employment or graduate school, with Carnegie Mellon at 93% within six months of graduation and Cal Poly at 95% within one year. The average starting salary for Carnegie Mellon graduates is higher at approximately $75,000 per year, compared to Cal Poly graduates at $62,000 per year.
