American University (AU) vs. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to American University (AU) or Carnegie Mellon?“
American University (AU)
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between American University (AU) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between American University (AU) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between American University (AU) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| American University (AU) | Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $43,103 | $50,665 |
| Net Price | $36,480 | $34,857 |
| Average Financial Aid | $28,559 | $35,978 |
| Total Undergraduates | 7300 | 5964 |
| Average SAT Scores | 1150 - 1340 | 1360 - 1540 |
| Acceptance Rate | 35 | 24 |
| Location | 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW | 5000 Forbes Avenue |
| City Name | Washington | Pittsburgh |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Washington and Pittsburgh. American University (AU) is in a Mid-Atlantic and Carnegie Mellon is in a Mid-Atlantic - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is American University (AU) or Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, American University (AU) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do American University (AU) Dorms Compare to housing Options at Carnegie Mellon?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. American University (AU) charges for on-campus living, while Carnegie Mellon charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
American University (AU) and Carnegie Mellon student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| American University (AU), % | Carnegie Mellon,% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 58.160000000000004 | 31.71 |
| Hispanic | 11.85 | 8.1 |
| Black | 6.88 | 4.68 |
| Foreign | 7.049999999999999 | 17.84 |
| Others | 16.1 | 37.7 |
How different is the American University (AU) campus compared to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) campus?
The American University (AU) campus is located in Washington, DC and is characterized as City: Large (population of 250,000 or more). The Carnegie Mellon campus is located in Pittsburgh, PA and is characterized as City: Large (population of 250,000 or more).
Which school gives more financial aid?
American University (AU) provides $28,559 whereas Carnegie Mellon provides an average of $35,978.
How does American University (AU) academics compare to Carnegie Mellon?
When analyzing academics between American University (AU) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | American University (AU) | Carnegie Mellon |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | N/A | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | 17 | N/A |
| Architecture and related services | N/A | 45 |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 14 | N/A |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 163 | N/A |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 28 | 168 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | 20 | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | N/A | 351 |
| Education | 12 | N/A |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | N/A | N/A |
Which is better: American University (AU) or Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between American University (AU) and Carnegie Mellon. But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does American University (AU) social life compare to Carnegie Mellon?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how American University (AU) social life differs from Carnegie Mellon.
Check here.
Check here.