Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, PA · Philadelphia, PA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Carnegie Mellon UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania
Acceptance Rate11.4%5.9%
In-State Tuition$63,829$66,104
Out-of-State Tuition$63,829$66,104
Average Net Price$20,340$16,653
Graduation Rate93.0%97.0%

GradFax Analysis

Carnegie Mellon University accepts 11.4% of applicants. University of Pennsylvania accepts 5.9%. Carnegie Mellon University's tuition is $63,829. University of Pennsylvania's is $66,104. Carnegie Mellon University is cheaper. Carnegie Mellon University graduates 93% of students in 6 years. University of Pennsylvania graduates 97%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Carnegie Mellon University profileUniversity of Pennsylvania profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Carnegie Mellon University or University of Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania. It accepts 5.9% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Carnegie Mellon University or University of Pennsylvania more affordable?

Carnegie Mellon University has lower published tuition: $63,829 versus $66,104. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

University of Pennsylvania: 97% of students finish in 6 years. Carnegie Mellon University is at 93%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Pennsylvania: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax