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Carnegie Mellon University vs Texas A&M University

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

11.0% CMU acceptance
63.0% Texas A&M acceptance
$105,380 Texas A&M 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
Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
74,829
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Texas A&M saves $22,173
CMU
$62,260
Texas A&M
$40,087
Acceptance Rate CMU more selective
CMU
11.0%
Texas A&M
63.0%
Graduation Rate CMU higher
CMU
93%
Texas A&M
83%
Avg SAT Score CMU higher
CMU
1530
Texas A&M
1290
Starting Salary CMU higher
CMU
$97,200
Texas A&M
$66,300

Detailed Comparison

Metric CMU Texas A&M Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$62,260$40,087Texas A&M
Tuition (In-State)$62,260$12,413Texas A&M
Room & Board$17,110$12,938Texas A&M
Acceptance Rate11.0%63.0%CMU
Graduation Rate93%83%CMU
Average SAT15301290CMU
Student-Faculty Ratio5:119:1CMU
Enrollment16,01674,829-
Avg Financial Aid$40,970$13,700CMU
Starting Salary$97,200$66,300CMU
Endowment$11.8B$17.1BTexas A&M
Campus Size155 acres5,200 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

CMU
$317,480
4-year total (private)
VS
Texas A&M
$212,100
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: CMU = $153,600 | Texas A&M = $157,300. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

CMU Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessInformation SystemsMathematics

Texas A&M Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyAgricultureBiomedical Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
CMUUrban
Texas A&MSuburban
Campus Size
CMU155 ac
Texas A&M5,200 ac
Athletics
CMUNCAA D3
Texas A&MNCAA D1
Region
CMUNortheast
Texas A&MSouth
Founded
CMU1900
Texas A&M1876
Enrollment
CMU16,016
Texas A&M74,829

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is CMU or Texas A&M harder to get into?+
CMU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 11.0% compared to 63.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, CMU or Texas A&M?+
At sticker price, Texas A&M costs less over 4 years ($212,100 vs $317,480). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. CMU offers an average of $40,970/year in aid while Texas A&M offers $13,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for CMU and Texas A&M?+
The average SAT score at CMU is 1530 and at Texas A&M it is 1290. 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 Texas A&M graduates earn more?+
Graduates of CMU have a higher average starting salary ($97,200 vs $66,300). 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 Texas A&M has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do CMU and Texas A&M compare for campus life?+
CMU is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 155-acre campus. Texas A&M is in College Station, Texas (suburban setting) with 5,200 acres. CMU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Texas A&M in NCAA D1.