About

About Carnegie Mellon University

tech and arts fusioncomputer science powerhousestrong research focuslow student faculty ratio

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, PA, known for its tech and arts fusion, computer science powerhouse, and strong research focus. With an acceptance rate of 11%, CMU is highly selective, typically enrolling around 1,716 students each year. CMU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1500–1560, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. CMU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $42,915 per year; the sticker price of $77,074 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Carnegie Mellon University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

highly selective

11%
Overall Accept Rate
3.75
Typical Admitted GPA
1530
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.75 – 4.00 unweighted

Build your free list to see where your GPA lands at Carnegie Mellon University →

SATSubmitted score range: 1500 – 1560 (test optional)

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

ACTScore range: 34 – 36

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

ED advantage at Carnegie Mellon University: ED acceptance rate is 21% vs 11% regular decision, more than double. If Carnegie Mellon Universityis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Carnegie Mellon University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Apply directly to the specific school or program within CMU that fits your goals, such as the School of Computer Science, College of Engineering, or College of Fine Arts, because admission decisions are made at the program level and a mismatch between your stated interests and your chosen program will hurt your chances significantly.
Essay Strategy
CMU rates essays as highly important, so use your supplemental essays to name specific faculty whose research you want to join, specific courses like 15-251 or interdisciplinary programs like the BHA, and explain how CMU's structure connects your technical and creative interests in ways no other school can.

Get a tailored strategy for Carnegie Mellon University. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

Build My Free List →

Financial Aid & Cost

What Carnegie Mellon University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$77k/yr$9.1k
30k-48k~$77k/yr$7.0k
48k-75k~$77k/yr$14.5k
75k-110k~$77k/yr$24.9k
110k+~$77k/yr$51.5k

Not sure what Carnegie Mellon University would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for Carnegie Mellon University and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to Carnegie Mellon University's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

93%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$105k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
5:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
7,022
Undergrad Enrollment
Carnegie Mellon Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch