University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus vs Carnegie Mellon University: which has better ROI?
The verdict
Carnegie Mellon University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $127,776 in 1.9 years versus 6.9 years at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, on median earnings of $114,862 vs $66,125 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Carnegie Mellon University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $30,434 | $31,944 |
| Total net cost | $121,736 | $127,776 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $66,125 | $114,862 |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $21,750 |
| Payback | 6.9 yrs | 1.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $233,564 | $1,202,264 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus vs Carnegie Mellon University: frequently asked questions
Is University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus or Carnegie Mellon University a better value?
Carnegie Mellon University. It clears its $127,776 net cost in about 1.9 years versus 6.9 years at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, on median earnings of $114,862 vs $66,125 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus or Carnegie Mellon University?
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus: $30,434/yr net price after aid versus $31,944/yr at Carnegie Mellon University — a difference of $1,510 a year, or about $6,040 over four years.
Do University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus or Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn a median $114,862 ten years after entry, versus $66,125 at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus — a $48,737 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.