Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Carnegie Mellon University vs Villanova University

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

Carnegie Mellon UniversityVillanova University
Acceptance Rate11.4%25.1%
In-State Tuition$63,829$64,701
Out-of-State Tuition$63,829$64,701
Average Net Price$20,340$23,206
Graduation Rate93.0%92.0%

GradFax Analysis

Carnegie Mellon University accepts 11.4% of applicants. Villanova University accepts 25.1%. Tuition is close: $63,829 at Carnegie Mellon University, $64,701 at Villanova University. Six-year graduation rates are close: 93% at Carnegie Mellon University, 92% at Villanova University.

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 profileVillanova University profile

Common Questions

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

Carnegie Mellon University. It accepts 11.4% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Carnegie Mellon University or Villanova University more affordable?

Carnegie Mellon University has lower published tuition: $63,829 versus $64,701. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. Carnegie Mellon University is at 93%; Villanova University is at 92%.

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 Villanova University: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax