Carnegie Mellon University, or CMU, is a private institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a campus size of 147 acres in an urban setting, students have many opportunities to become immersed in their academic studies. Various extracurricular opportunities and Greek life also help students receive a well-rounded undergraduate experience.
Carnegie Mellon has a wide variety of majors, but the most popular are computer science, electrical and electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, systems science and theory, and chemical engineering. The undergraduate business program is also ranked highly for its management information systems and production/operations and quantitative analysis. In a recent study by the Wall Street Journal, CMU was ranked highly by job recruiters in the areas of computer science, finance, and economics. Despite a large focus on science and business, the university also has a renowned drama school.
The school typically has around 6,900 undergraduates, which results in a tight-knit community. They have over 250 organizations and clubs on campus, including social, media, recreational, sports, and academic groups. They have a student devoted gallery called The Frame and performing arts events from a group called Scotch ‘n’ Soda. There are also 23 active fraternities and sororities, with about 14 percent of the student population affiliated with Greek organizations.
Approximately 58 percent of CMU students choose to remain in college-owned housing during their undergraduate years. They have a variety of housing options, including standard, prime, suites, efficiencies, one or two bedroom apartments, or houses. Currently, there are 13 residence halls on campus. Athletic life is also important to Carnegie Mellon University. The Tartans compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III levels. School spirit is represented with the Kiltie Band (a nod to founder Andrew Carnegie’s Scottish roots), who perform in full Scottish garb at every home football game.
Today, there are more than 105,000 Carnegie Mellon alumni dedicated to spreading the message of their wonderful experiences. Students looking for a strong academic program in engineering or science should consider the school’s stellar reputation. Also, the urban setting increases research opportunities for students. Carnegie Mellon University’s long, rich history demonstrates the university’s devotion to rigorous academics combined with fun on-campus activities.
Acceptance Rate
Academic Qualifications
SAT Range (25 to 75 Percentile)
ACT Range (25 to 75 Percentile)
Application Deadlines
Early decision: Nov. 1 (not available for Drama, Music and BXA)
Regular decision: Jan. 1 (Dec. 1 for Drama and Music)
Early admission (high school juniors): Jan. 1
Transfer admission: Oct. 15
Admissions Criteria
Freshmen Admissions
Number of applicants: 24,351
Enrolled: 1,572
Yield: 37.7%
Acceptance rate: 17.1%
Early Decision Admissions
Number of ED applicants: 1,641
Admitted: 346
ED acceptance rate: 21.1%
Waitlist Admission Statistics
Number of waitlisted applicants: 2,310
Admitted off waitlist: 109
Acceptance rate: 4.7%
Transfer Admissions
Number of transfer applicants: 950
Admitted: 69
Acceptance rate: 7.3%
Academic Qualifications
Average GPA: 3.84
Top 10% of High School: 87%
Middle SAT Range (25 to 75 Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 700-750
SAT Math: 750-800
Middle ACT Range (25 to 75 Percentile)
ACT Composite: 33-35
ACT English: 33-35
ACT Math: 32-35
Standardized Test Requirements
SAT/ACT required
Writing portion recommended
SAT Subject Tests required for all applicants except those for the School of Art, School of Design, School of Drama and School of Music
Graduation Rates
Loan Defaults and Rhodes Scholars
Salary After Attending
R&D Expenditures
Campus Safety
Score Card Information
Graduation Rates
4 years: 74.9%
5 years: 85.7%
6 years: 88.8%
Transfers out: 7%
Loan default rate: 0.9%
Total Rhodes Scholars: 4
Salary after attending: $83,600
R&D Expenditures: $328.1 million
Campus Safety
Sex offenses: 15
Robberies: 1
Aggravated assaults: 0
Burglaries: 22
Car thefts: 0
Net Cost and Total Expected Cost of Attendance
Average Net Price By Income
Student Debt
Additional Information
Tuition, room and board (2019-2020): $70,788
Total estimated cost of attendance (2019-2020): $74,491
Net Cost
Average: $30,847
By income
$0 to $30,000: $11,370
$30,001 to $48,000: $13,608
$48,001 to $75,000: $18,048
$75,001 to $110,000: $28,240
$110,001 and more: $48,918
Graduates with student debt: 59%
Average student debt at graduation: $27,818
Student Residence
Undergraduate Class Sizes
Student to Faculty Ratio
Student Population
Additional Information
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13 to 1
Women: 48%
Undergraduate Class Sizes
Under 20: 66%
20 to 39: 18%
40 to 99: 12%
100+: 4%
Student Population
Total: 14,625
Undergraduate: 6,947
Student Residence
In State: 10%
Out of State: 71%
International: 19%
