Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Michigan

Carnegie Mellon University vs University of Michigan

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the University of Michigan (UMich) are well known for their computer science, engineering, and business programs. CMU is ranked #52 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026) improved from #58 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)  and does exceptionally well in computer science, data science, and engineering, which makes it a perfect option for students looking at technology and AI-related careers. UMich is ranked #45 in the world, with areas of specific strengths in engineering, medicine, and business (Ross School #12), providing a wider range of academic strengths encompassing social sciences and healthcare. CMU has a focused tech-oriented setting, whereas UMich has diversified strengths across several fields.

General Information

CMU is a 1900-founded private R1 university that has 16,002 graduate and 7,059 undergraduate students on 157 acres of land in Pittsburgh. UMich, founded in 1817, is a public R1 university with 51,225 students, including 18,530 graduate students, across a 3,207-acre campus in Ann Arbor. CMU's student population is made up of 32% male, 21% female, and 18% international students, while UMich's student population is made up of 18% male, 18% female, and 7% international. CMU focuses on innovation and technology, while UMich fosters a general, diverse academic population.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

CMU is more selective, with an 11.4% acceptance rate, versus UMich's 17.9%. CMU applicants generally score 1500–1570 on the SAT, 34–35 on the ACT, and have a mean GPA of 3.89. UMich applicants generally score 1350–1530 on the SAT, 31–34 on the ACT, and have a mean GPA of 3.88. Both schools have a $75 application fee and are test-optional, making UMich somewhat less restrictive for international applicants.

Location Facts

CMU's Pittsburgh campus is located in a major urban setting, with proximity to tech centers, cultural institutions such as the Carnegie Museums, and a high level of industry concentration in technology. UMich's Ann Arbor campus is located in a midsize city, characterized by its lively college-town culture and proximity to Detroit's automotive and business communities. Pittsburgh offers an urban experience focused on technology, whereas Ann Arbor provides a blended academic and social experience.

Cost & Financial Aid

CMU, being a private institution, charges a tuition fee of $62,260, while on-campus accommodation is $17,468 a year and off-campus accommodation varies from $800–$1,200/month. UMich charges in-state tuition of $16,896 and out-of-state tuition of $57,740, while on-campus accommodation is $13,856 a year and off-campus is $1,000–$1,500/month. Financial aid to 49% of CMU students (avg. aid $47,550) and 55% of UMich students (avg. aid $22,005) is provided. UMich tends to be cheaper for in-state residents, but CMU's financial aid puts it on a par with other students. 

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

CMU students receive a median beginning salary of $102,700, and 93% are working or continuing on to advanced study within six months, mainly in finance and tech, with recruiters including Google and Amazon. UMich graduates have a median starting salary of $74,400, with 90% in employment or further study, particularly in business and engineering, with firms such as Ford and Deloitte. CMU technology emphasis promotes higher starting salaries, whereas UMich has a wide alumni network of almost 500,000 to facilitate regional and national placements.

Research Impact & Facilities

CMU's Hunt Library contains 1 million volumes and features state-of-the-art facilities such as the School of Computer Science and Tepper School of Business. UMich's 13 million-volume Hatcher Graduate Library accommodates research centers such as the Institute for Social Research. CMU's tight, entrepreneurial campus focuses on technology and entrepreneurship, while UMich's large campus accommodates a broad spectrum of research fields and student organizations.