Carnegie Mellon University
About Carnegie Mellon University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Carnegie Mellon is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is a global leader in computer science, robotics, artificial intelligence, and engineering. The university also has top-ranked programs in drama, music, and public policy.
Founded
1900
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Students
15,815
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
11.7%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
94.1%
Above national average
Tuition
$66,246
Per year
Avg Net Price
$31,944
After financial aid
SAT Average
1546
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$114,862
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 9 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Required
Application Fee
$75
Early
Nov 3
Regular
Jan 5
Carnegie Mellon University admits about 11.7% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1546. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1546/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
94.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
98%
4-Year Grad
79%
6-Year Grad
93%
Teaching Quality
5:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
92.5%
$/Student
$41.0K
Class Size
Small
79% of students graduate on time, and 92.5% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$66,246
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,166
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$83,654
After Financial Aid
$31,944
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,097
Receive Grants
16%
Take Loans
33.6%
Don't let the $66,246 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $31,944 after financial aid, a 52% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $9,097.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Carnegie Mellon University fund their education.
While in School
16%
Get Grants
Free money
33.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$91,372
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,750
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$231/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 33.6% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,750. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Carnegie Mellon University.
Gender
49.1%
Female
51%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,304
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
8,511
Graduates
10%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.5%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (49% women, 51% men). 19.1% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
7,304
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Top-tier CS and engineering facilities
- +Pittsburgh is affordable and revitalizing fast
- +Collaborative culture across arts and tech
- +Strong career placement in tech and finance
Cons
- -Academic pressure is extremely high
- -Pittsburgh winters are cold and gray
- -Campus is relatively small and compact
- -Work-life balance can be difficult to maintain
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Carnegie Mellon University fields 9 varsity teams with 619 student athletes, about 8% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
University
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
619
8% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
362
Men
257
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Carnegie Mellon Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$114,862
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer Science
$171K
270 grads
1yr Earnings
Statistics
$93K
172 grads
1yr Earnings
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
$139K
157 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$96K
151 grads
1yr Earnings
Systems Science and Theory
$96K
118 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$187K
111 grads
4yr Earnings
Graduates start at $105K six years out, climb to $92K by year eight, and reach $115K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Carnegie Mellon University
What is the acceptance rate at Carnegie Mellon University?▾
How much does Carnegie Mellon University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Carnegie Mellon University?▾
How much do Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.