Academic Comparison between CMU and Penn State Behrend

Carnegie Mellon University and Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CMU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Pittsburgh, PA and Penn State Behrend is a four-year, public school located in Erie, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • CMU is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State Behrend is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • CMU has more expensive tuition & fees ($63,274) than Penn State Behrend ($26,668).
  • It is harder to admit to CMU than Penn State Behrend.
  • CMU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,540) than Penn State Behrend (1,210).
  • CMU has higher submitted ACT score (35) than Penn State Behrend (26).
  • CMU has more students with 16,002 students while Penn State Behrend has 3,295 students.
  • CMU has a lower number of students per faculty with 5 to 1 while Penn State Behrend's ratio is 12 to 1.
  • CMU has more full-time faculties with 1,286 faculties while Penn State Behrend has 286 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Carnegie Mellon Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaLocationErie, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie Classification
$63,2742024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,944
Out-Of-State$26,668
48%% Receiving Financial Aid74%
$40,660Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,004
11.40 %Acceptance Rates95.71 %
44.44 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.74 %
1,540SAT Score1,210
35ACT Score26
91 %Graduation Rate42 %
-Transfer-out Rate25 %
97 %Retention Rate82 %
16,002Student Population3,295
1,286Number of Faculties286
5 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services