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Georgia Tech vs Carnegie Mellon University

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PUBLIC

Georgia Tech

Atlanta, GA

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PRIVATE

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	Georgia Tech	Carnegie Mellon University	Edge
Acceptance Rate	16.5%	11.4%	Georgia Tech (easier)
Average SAT	1430	1535	Carnegie Mellon University
Enrollment	53,737	17,136	Georgia Tech larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$102,772	$114,862	Carnegie Mellon University
Median Debt	$21,672	$21,750	Georgia Tech lower
Pell Grant Rate	14.0%	15.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

Georgia Tech

Carnegie Mellon University

Top majors

Georgia Tech

Engineering 46.5%

Computer Science 25.6%

Business/Marketing 8.3%

Biological Sciences 6.1%

Physical Sciences 2.5%

Carnegie Mellon University

Engineering 22.4%

Computer Science 20.8%

Mathematics/Statistics 13.4%

Visual/Performing Arts 8.3%

Business/Marketing 8.2%

Which Should You Choose?

Both Georgia Tech and Carnegie Mellon University are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: Georgia Tech is in Atlanta, GA while Carnegie Mellon University is in Pittsburgh, PA
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

Georgia Tech vs Carnegie Mellon University FAQs

Which is harder to get into, Georgia Tech or Carnegie Mellon University?

Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into, with a 11.4% acceptance rate vs Georgia Tech's 16.5%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, Georgia Tech or Carnegie Mellon University?

Carnegie Mellon University has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($83,654/yr) vs Georgia Tech ($28,167/yr) — a difference of $55,487/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $11,635/yr at Georgia Tech vs $21,381/yr at Carnegie Mellon University.

Which has higher graduate earnings, Georgia Tech or Carnegie Mellon University?

Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more — a median of $114,862 10 years post-grad, vs $102,772 at Georgia Tech. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, Georgia Tech or Carnegie Mellon University?

It depends on your priorities. Georgia Tech is in Atlanta, GA; Carnegie Mellon University is in Pittsburgh, PA. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, Georgia Tech or Carnegie Mellon University?

Both Georgia Tech and Carnegie Mellon University have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — Georgia Tech's salary page and Carnegie Mellon University's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

GEORGIA TECH

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.