Head-to-head · 2026
Carnegie Mellon University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Compare average net price ($31,944 at Carnegie Mellon University; $20,111 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology), ROI score (8.99 vs 17.82), ten-year median earnings ($114,862 vs $143,372), and admissions selectivity (11.7% acceptance at Carnegie Mellon University; 4.6% at Massachusetts Institute of Technology) using federal College Scorecard data. Massachusetts Institute of Technology has a 7-0 metric-level edge. Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Carnegie Mellon University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.99 | 17.82 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $31,944 | $20,111 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $114,862 | $143,372 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 11.7% | 4.6% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 94.1% | 96.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,750 | $14,768 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 7,304 | 4,535 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1546 | 1560 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 0 | 7 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Carnegie Mellon University costs $11,833 more per year than Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($31,944 vs $20,111). Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates report $28,510 higher median earnings after ten years ($143,372 vs $114,862). On EduGradify's model that puts Massachusetts Institute of Technology ahead on projected ROI (17.82 vs 8.99, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Carnegie Mellon University is highly competitive at 11.7% acceptance versus 4.6% (highly competitive) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Frequently asked
Carnegie Mellon University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Carnegie Mellon University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology the better value?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.82 vs 8.99), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is cheaper — average net price $20,111 per year vs $31,944 at Carnegie Mellon University. The annual difference of $11,833 adds up to about $47,332 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $143,372 vs $114,862 at Carnegie Mellon University. The annual gap in the federal data is $28,510.
Which school is harder to get into?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is more selective at 4.6% acceptance vs 11.7% at Carnegie Mellon University.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Carnegie Mellon University reports a B value grade; Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports A+.