Lehigh University vs Carnegie Mellon University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Lehigh University and Carnegie Mellon University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Lehigh University vs Carnegie Mellon University at a glance
Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants and Carnegie Mellon University 11.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $25,272 at Lehigh University and $35,780 at Carnegie Mellon University. Six-year graduation rates are 85.2% and 94.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants and Carnegie Mellon University 11.7%, so Carnegie Mellon University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $25,272 a year at Lehigh University and $35,780 at Carnegie Mellon University; Lehigh University costs $10,508 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $14,290 at Lehigh University and $14,468 at Carnegie Mellon University.
- 85.2% of students graduate within six years at Lehigh University, against 94.3% at Carnegie Mellon University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $116,342 for Lehigh University and $125,257 for Carnegie Mellon University; Carnegie Mellon University is $8,915 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,371 at Lehigh University and $19,000 at Carnegie Mellon University.
- Lehigh University enrolls 5,898 students (small city) and Carnegie Mellon University 7,304 (large city).
Side by side
Lehigh University and Carnegie Mellon University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Lehigh University | Carnegie Mellon University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 25.9% | 11.7% |
| Applicants | 14,107 | 32,896 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1370–1500 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–34 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $25,272 | $35,780 |
| Tuition, in state | $67,920 | $68,776 |
| Tuition, out of state | $67,920 | $68,776 |
| Cost of attendance | $84,497 | $86,759 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $14,290 | $14,468 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,708 | $4,293 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,587 | $17,816 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,869 | $24,455 |
| Over $110,000 | $36,233 | $56,003 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.2% | 94.3% |
| First-year retention | 93.7% | 98% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $116,342 | $125,257 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,371 | $19,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $243 | $216 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 5,898 | 7,304 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | Bethlehem, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Lehigh University reports 66 bachelor's programs and Carnegie Mellon University 114; 52 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Lehigh University vs Carnegie Mellon University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Lehigh University or Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Lehigh University admits 25.9% of applicants and Carnegie Mellon University admits 11.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Lehigh University 1370–1500; Carnegie Mellon University 1500–1570.
Which is cheaper, Lehigh University or Carnegie Mellon University?
Lehigh University has the lower average net price after grants: $25,272 a year at Lehigh University against $35,780 at Carnegie Mellon University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $14,290 and $14,468. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Lehigh University or Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more at the median: $116,342 ten years after entry for Lehigh University and $125,257 for Carnegie Mellon University. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,371 and $19,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Lehigh University or Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University does: 85.2% of Lehigh University students graduate within six years, against 94.3% at Carnegie Mellon University.
How big are Lehigh University and Carnegie Mellon University?
Lehigh University has 5,898 students in Bethlehem, PA and Carnegie Mellon University has 7,304 students in Pittsburgh, PA.