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Carnegie Mellon University vs Georgia Tech

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

11.0% CMU acceptance
16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
$131,736 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

CMU
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Founded
1900
Enrollment
16,016
Setting
Urban
Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $28,466
CMU
$62,260
Georgia Tech
$33,794
Acceptance Rate CMU more selective
CMU
11.0%
Georgia Tech
16.0%
Graduation Rate CMU higher
CMU
93%
Georgia Tech
90%
Avg SAT Score CMU higher
CMU
1530
Georgia Tech
1450
Starting Salary CMU higher
CMU
$97,200
Georgia Tech
$83,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric CMU Georgia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$62,260$33,794Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$62,260$12,682Georgia Tech
Room & Board$17,110$12,642Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate11.0%16.0%CMU
Graduation Rate93%90%CMU
Average SAT15301450CMU
Student-Faculty Ratio5:115:1CMU
Enrollment16,01647,285-
Avg Financial Aid$40,970$16,280CMU
Starting Salary$97,200$83,600CMU
Endowment$11.8B$4.2BCMU
Campus Size155 acres400 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

CMU
$317,480
4-year total (private)
VS
Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: CMU = $153,600 | Georgia Tech = $120,624. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

CMU Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessInformation SystemsMathematics

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
CMUUrban
Georgia TechUrban
Campus Size
CMU155 ac
Georgia Tech400 ac
Athletics
CMUNCAA D3
Georgia TechNCAA D1
Region
CMUNortheast
Georgia TechSouth
Founded
CMU1900
Georgia Tech1885
Enrollment
CMU16,016
Georgia Tech47,285

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is CMU or Georgia Tech harder to get into?+
CMU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.0% compared to 16.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, CMU or Georgia Tech?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $317,480). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. CMU offers an average of $40,970/year in aid while Georgia Tech offers $16,280/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for CMU and Georgia Tech?+
The average SAT score at CMU is 1530 and at Georgia Tech it is 1450. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do CMU or Georgia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of CMU have a higher average starting salary ($97,200 vs $83,600). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
CMU has a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Georgia Tech has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do CMU and Georgia Tech compare for campus life?+
CMU is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 155-acre campus. Georgia Tech is in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with 400 acres. CMU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Georgia Tech in NCAA D1.