Choosing the right college is a challenging decision that involves considering various factors, such as cost, academics, campus life, and potential outcomes. In this article, we will compare Carnegie Mellon University and New York University, two prestigious institutions, to help you make an informed choice. We will provide an overview of each school and dive into details on tuition, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and more.
Carnegie Mellon Overview
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Established in 1900 by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, CMU has since grown into a renowned institution known for its strong emphasis on science, technology, and fine arts. With a student population of approximately 14,500, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its seven schools and colleges.
Carnegie Mellon Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Carnegie Mellon for the 2021-2022 academic year is $58,924 for full-time undergraduate students. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $76,000 per year. Financial aid is available to eligible students, and the average financial aid package for first-year students is $41,000.
Carnegie Mellon Admissions
Carnegie Mellon has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 15%. Prospective students are required to submit their application through the Common Application or Coalition Application, along with high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1460 and 1560 and ACT scores between 33 and 35.
Carnegie Mellon Degrees Offered
Carnegie Mellon offers over 100 undergraduate programs across its seven schools and colleges, which include the College of Engineering, College of Fine Arts, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mellon College of Science, School of Computer Science, Tepper School of Business, and H. John Heinz III College of Information Systems and Public Policy. In addition, CMU offers various graduate and professional programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees.
Carnegie Mellon Academics
CMU is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in fields such as computer science, engineering, and fine arts. The university’s faculty includes numerous distinguished researchers and practitioners, and students have ample opportunities for research and collaboration with faculty members. CMU also provides a supportive environment for interdisciplinary studies, encouraging students to explore multiple fields of interest.
Carnegie Mellon Diversity
Carnegie Mellon is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Approximately 23% of the undergraduate student population identifies as an underrepresented minority, and international students make up 19% of the undergraduate population. The university offers various resources and support services for underrepresented communities, including the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion.
Carnegie Mellon Students
Carnegie Mellon students are known for their strong work ethic and passion for their chosen fields. The university offers over 300 student organizations, covering a wide range of interests, from academics and professional development to cultural and social activities. Additionally, CMU’s location in Pittsburgh provides students with access to various cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities in the city.
Carnegie Mellon Campus
The CMU campus covers 152 acres in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art research centers, libraries, and performance spaces, as well as residence halls and dining options. CMU is located close to several other universities, museums, parks, and cultural institutions, providing students with a vibrant and stimulating environment.
Carnegie Mellon Alumni
Carnegie Mellon boasts an impressive list of alumni who have gone on to achieve significant success in their respective fields. Notable alumni include Nobel Prize winners, Turing Award recipients, prominent artists, and business leaders. The CMU alumni network offers various resources and networking opportunities to support graduates in their professional endeavors.
Carnegie Mellon Rankings
Carnegie Mellon consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and globally. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, CMU was ranked 26th among national universities and 10th in best undergraduate engineering programs.
Carnegie Mellon Outcomes
Carnegie Mellon graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, with a 95% placement rate for undergraduate students within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for CMU graduates is $76,000, and top employers include Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Apple.
New York University Overview
New York University (NYU) is a private research university founded in 1831 and located in the heart of New York City. With a student population of over 50,000, NYU is one of the largest private universities in the United States. The university is known for its commitment to global education, with campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, and numerous study abroad programs.
New York University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at New York University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $54,678 for full-time undergraduate students. Including additional expenses such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, the total cost of attendance is estimated at $78,000 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with an average financial aid package of $35,000 for first-year students.
New York University Admissions
Admission to NYU is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 16%. Prospective students must submit their application through the Common Application or Coalition Application, along with high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1350 and 1530 and ACT scores between 30 and 34.
New York University Degrees Offered
NYU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its 17 schools and colleges. Some of the university’s most renowned schools include the Stern School of Business, Tisch School of the Arts, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, and the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences.
New York University Academics
NYU is known for its strong programs in fields such as business, law, performing arts, and social sciences. The university’s faculty includes numerous distinguished scholars and practitioners, providing students with a rigorous and engaging educational experience. NYU also encourages interdisciplinary studies and offers various opportunities for research, internships, and experiential learning.
New York University Diversity
Diversity is a hallmark of the NYU community, with students representing all 50 states and over 130 countries. Approximately 27% of the undergraduate population identifies as an underrepresented minority, and international students make up 20% of the undergraduate population. NYU is committed to promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and offers various resources and support services to foster diversity and inclusion on campus.
New York University Students
NYU students are known for their ambition and creativity, taking full advantage of the opportunities available both on campus and in the bustling city of New York. The university offers over 500 student organizations, covering a broad spectrum of interests and activities. In addition, NYU’s location enables students to engage in internships, cultural experiences, and professional networking opportunities throughout the city.
New York University Campus
NYU’s main campus is located in Greenwich Village, one of New York City’s most vibrant and iconic neighborhoods. The urban campus blends seamlessly with the surrounding city, with university buildings interspersed among public parks, shops, and restaurants. NYU’s facilities include modern classrooms, libraries, and research centers, as well as residence halls and dining options.
New York University Alumni
NYU’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with notable graduates in fields such as business, entertainment, politics, and academia. Notable alumni include Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize recipients, and prominent leaders in various industries. The university offers numerous resources and networking opportunities for alumni, helping them maintain connections and advance their careers.
New York University Rankings
New York University consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and worldwide. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, NYU was ranked 30th among national universities and 6th in best undergraduate business programs.
New York University Outcomes
NYU graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, with a 94% placement rate for undergraduate students within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for NYU graduates is $61,000, and top employers include Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Google, and Deloitte.
Carnegie Mellon vs New York University Cost Comparison
Although both Carnegie Mellon and New York University have similar tuition rates, with CMU at $58,924 and NYU at $54,678 for the 2021-2022 academic year, the total cost of attendance varies. The estimated total cost of attendance at Carnegie Mellon is around $76,000 per year, while at NYU, it is approximately $78,000 per year. It is essential to consider the financial aid packages offered by each institution, with CMU’s average financial aid package for first-year students at $41,000 and NYU’s at $35,000.
Carnegie Mellon vs New York University Admissions Difficulty
Both Carnegie Mellon and New York University have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 15% and 16% respectively. The middle 50% of admitted students at CMU have SAT scores between 1460 and 1560 and ACT scores between 33 and 35, while at NYU, the middle 50% have SAT scores between 1350 and 1530 and ACT scores between 30 and 34. While both schools are challenging to gain admission to, it appears that Carnegie Mellon has slightly higher standardized test score ranges for admitted students.
Carnegie Mellon vs New York University Academic Difficulty
Both universities are known for their rigorous academic programs, with Carnegie Mellon having a strong emphasis on science, technology, and fine arts, and NYU excelling in fields such as business, law, performing arts, and social sciences. Students at both institutions are likely to experience a challenging and engaging educational environment. The specific academic difficulty of each university will depend on the chosen major and individual student experiences.
Carnegie Mellon vs New York University Outcome Comparison
Carnegie Mellon and New York University both boast strong employment outcomes for their graduates. CMU has a 95% placement rate within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $76,000. NYU has a 94% placement rate, with an average starting salary of $61,000. While both universities provide excellent opportunities for post-graduation success, it is worth noting the slightly higher placement rate and average starting salary for Carnegie Mellon graduates.
