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WashU vs Carnegie Mellon

WashU students with aid paid less on average: $13,360 vs $35,780 a year. For fall 2027, WashU doesn't need the SAT or ACT; Carnegie Mellon requires scores from some applicants.

Highlighted = the better number: lower price or debt, higher rate or pay.

Washington University in St Louis Carnegie Mellon University
Getting in
MeasureWashington University in St LouisCarnegie Mellon University
Admit rate 12% 11%
SAT, enrolled first-years (middle 50%) 1500–1550 1500–1560
ACT, enrolled first-years (middle 50%) 33–35 34–36
SAT or ACT for fall 2027 Optional Required for some
Next deadline Early decision II: Jan 4 Regular decision: Jan 4
Cost
MeasureWashington University in St LouisCarnegie Mellon University
Sticker price per year $92,523 $86,759
Average paid after grants $13,360 $35,780
What families with aid paid, by income
MeasureWashington University in St LouisCarnegie Mellon University
Under $30,000 $2,578 $14,468
$30,000–$48,000 $589 $4,293
$48,000–$75,000 $7,361 $17,816
$75,000–$110,000 $15,636 $24,455
Over $110,000 $47,130 $56,003
After you start
MeasureWashington University in St LouisCarnegie Mellon University
Undergrads 7,857 7,304
Graduate within 6 years 94% 93%
Come back for year two 95% 98%
Median earnings 10 years after starting $91,497 $125,257
Median debt at graduation $15,250 $19,000

Highlighted only when the gap is at least 5%. "Average paid" is what students who got federal aid paid per year after grants, not a price quote. How we get our numbers

See WashU See Carnegie Mellon