Cornell University vs Carnegie Mellon University

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Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, with numerous factors to consider such as cost, academics, and campus life. In this article, we will compare two top institutions: Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University. By examining various aspects of each school, we aim to provide valuable information to help students make an informed decision on their future education.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Cornell University Overview

Cornell University, founded in 1865, is an Ivy League institution located in Ithaca, New York. Known for its diverse and interdisciplinary education, Cornell offers more than 100 fields of study across seven undergraduate colleges and schools. With a total enrollment of around 23,600 students, Cornell is the largest of the Ivy League schools.

Cornell University Costs & Tuition

Tuition at Cornell University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $58,586. Additionally, room and board costs approximately $15,246, while other expenses such as books, supplies, and personal expenses come to about $2,820. The total estimated cost of attendance is $76,652. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with an average need-based scholarship or grant award of $41,350.

Cornell University Admissions

Admission to Cornell University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 10.9%. Prospective students must submit their application through the Common Application or Universal College Application, along with required supporting documents such as transcripts, recommendations, and standardized test scores. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1420 and 1540 on the SAT and between 32 and 35 on the ACT.

Cornell University Degrees Offered

Cornell University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Areas of study include agriculture and life sciences, architecture, art, planning, engineering, hotel administration, human ecology, industrial and labor relations, and the liberal arts and sciences.

Cornell University Academics

Students at Cornell have access to a rigorous and diverse academic experience. The university boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, allowing for smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors. Additionally, Cornell encourages research and experiential learning opportunities, such as study abroad programs, internships, and undergraduate research projects.

Cornell University Diversity

Cornell University is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse campus community. Among undergraduate students, 39% identify as students of color, and 11% are international students. These figures demonstrate Cornell’s commitment to attracting and supporting a diverse student body.

Cornell University Students

Cornell’s undergraduate population is approximately 15,200 students, with around 8,400 graduate and professional students. The university offers more than 1,000 student organizations and clubs, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in their interests and connect with like-minded peers.

Cornell University Campus

Cornell’s picturesque campus spans over 2,300 acres in Ithaca, New York, offering a variety of academic, residential, and recreational facilities. Students can take advantage of numerous libraries, study spaces, and state-of-the-art research facilities. In addition, the campus is home to various dining options, fitness centers, and a vibrant arts scene.

Cornell University Alumni

Cornell University has a vast network of over 250,000 alumni worldwide, including notable figures such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bill Nye, and Toni Morrison. This extensive network offers students and graduates access to valuable connections and resources in various industries and fields.

Cornell University Rankings

Cornell University consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States, with U.S. News & World Report ranking it at #17 in the 2022 edition of Best National Universities.

Cornell University Outcomes

Graduates of Cornell University enjoy a high rate of success, with 94% of the Class of 2020 either employed, pursuing further education, or participating in volunteer programs within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Cornell graduates is $70,000.

Carnegie Mellon University Overview

Carnegie Mellon University, established in 1900, is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and fine arts, Carnegie Mellon provides students with a unique blend of technology and creativity. The university enrolls approximately 14,500 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs.

Carnegie Mellon University Costs & Tuition

Tuition at Carnegie Mellon University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $58,300. Room and board expenses amount to approximately $14,972, while additional costs such as books, supplies, and personal expenses total around $2,400. The overall estimated cost of attendance is $75,672. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with an average need-based scholarship or grant award of $39,685.

Carnegie Mellon University Admissions

Admission to Carnegie Mellon University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 15%. Prospective students must submit their application through the Common Application, along with necessary supporting documents such as transcripts, recommendations, and standardized test scores. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1460 and 1560 on the SAT and between 33 and 35 on the ACT.

Carnegie Mellon University Degrees Offered

Carnegie Mellon offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Areas of study include business, computer science, engineering, fine arts, humanities and social sciences, information systems, and science.

Carnegie Mellon University Academics

Students at Carnegie Mellon benefit from a challenging and interdisciplinary academic experience. The university has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, allowing for smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors. Additionally, Carnegie Mellon encourages collaboration and hands-on learning opportunities, such as research projects, internships, and study abroad programs.

Carnegie Mellon University Diversity

Carnegie Mellon University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Among undergraduate students, 35% identify as students of color, and 23% are international students. These figures demonstrate Carnegie Mellon’s dedication to creating a diverse and supportive learning environment.

Carnegie Mellon University Students

Carnegie Mellon’s undergraduate population is around 7,100 students, with nearly 7,400 graduate and professional students. The university offers over 350 student organizations and clubs, providing students with numerous opportunities to engage in their interests and connect with their peers.

Carnegie Mellon University Campus

Carnegie Mellon’s urban campus covers 152 acres in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering a variety of academic, residential, and recreational facilities. Students can access numerous libraries, study spaces, and cutting-edge research facilities. Additionally, the campus features various dining options, fitness centers, and a dynamic arts scene.

Carnegie Mellon University Alumni

Carnegie Mellon University has a global network of over 110,000 alumni, including notable individuals such as Andy Warhol, Judith Resnik, and James Gosling. This extensive network offers students and graduates access to valuable connections and resources in a variety of industries and fields.

Carnegie Mellon University Rankings

Carnegie Mellon University consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States, with U.S. News & World Report ranking it at #25 in the 2022 edition of Best National Universities.

Carnegie Mellon University Outcomes

Graduates of Carnegie Mellon University enjoy a high rate of success, with 91% of the Class of 2020 either employed, pursuing further education, or participating in volunteer programs within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for Carnegie Mellon graduates is $76,600.

Cornell University vs Carnegie Mellon University Cost Comparision

Both Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University have comparable tuition costs for the 2021-2022 academic year, with Cornell’s tuition at $58,586 and Carnegie Mellon’s tuition at $58,300. Room and board expenses are also similar, with Cornell’s costs at $15,246 and Carnegie Mellon’s costs at $14,972. The total estimated cost of attendance for Cornell is $76,652, while it is $75,672 for Carnegie Mellon. Both universities offer financial aid for eligible students, with average need-based scholarships or grant awards of $41,350 at Cornell and $39,685 at Carnegie Mellon.

Cornell University vs Carnegie Mellon University Admissions Difficulty

Admissions at both Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University are highly competitive, with acceptance rates of 10.9% and 15%, respectively. The middle 50% of admitted students at Cornell scored between 1420 and 1540 on the SAT and between 32 and 35 on the ACT, while the middle 50% of admitted students at Carnegie Mellon scored between 1460 and 1560 on the SAT and between 33 and 35 on the ACT.

Cornell University vs Carnegie Mellon University Academic Difficulty

Both Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University have rigorous academic programs and low student-to-faculty ratios, allowing for personalized attention and smaller class sizes. Both universities encourage research and hands-on learning opportunities, and their students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

Cornell University vs Carnegie Mellon University Outcome Comparision

Graduates of both Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University enjoy high rates of success after graduation. Cornell’s Class of 2020 had a 94% success rate within six months of graduation, with a median starting salary of $70,000. Meanwhile, Carnegie Mellon’s Class of 2020 had a 91% success rate within six months of graduation, with a median starting salary of $76,600.