Carnegie Mellon University Overview

Carnegie Mellon University is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Pittsburgh, PA. It has an enrollment of 6,880 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 13.54%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $37,846. Tuition is $58,924.00 without financial aid.

Carnegie Mellon University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At Carnegie Mellon University, 97.36% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

Carnegie Mellon University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5 to 1.

Carnegie Mellon University Website

Carnegie Mellon University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 13.54%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required.

• The average SAT score was 1520.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 34.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

Carnegie Mellon University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $37,846.

The average tuition is:

• $14,879, when family income is less than $30,000

• $18,424, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $22,758, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $30,955, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $54,338, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 38.12% of students received a federal student loan and 14.86% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $58,924.00 without financial aid.

Carnegie Mellon University Net Price Calculator

Carnegie Mellon University Majors/Salaries

Carnegie Mellon University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at Carnegie Mellon University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Architecture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $53,775
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $94,408
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Master’s Degree) – $107,758
• Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $160,116
• Computer Software and Media Applications. (Master’s Degree) – $64,990
• Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. (Master’s Degree) – $94,940
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $60,161
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $55,964
• Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $75,432
• Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $60,094
• Civil Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $71,351
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $114,223
• Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $120,549
• Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $75,921
• Mechanical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $82,882
• Engineering-Related Fields. (Master’s Degree) – $86,867
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $57,318
• English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $28,055
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,927
• Statistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $88,506
• Systems Science and Theory. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $84,393
• Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,683
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
• Materials Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $47,260
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $63,005
• Public Policy Analysis. (Master’s Degree) – $71,575
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $89,859
• Design and Applied Arts. (Master’s Degree) – $106,421
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Master’s Degree) – $38,289
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,140
• Music. (Master’s Degree) – $24,808
• Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. (Master’s Degree) – $46,924
• Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Master’s Degree) – $77,536
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $80,196
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $133,383
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $95,295

Carnegie Mellon University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at Carnegie Mellon University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.00%
• Asian: 33.71%
• Black: 3.92%
• Hispanic: 9.80%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.04%
• Non-resident alien: 18.01%
• Two or more races: 4.96%
• Unknown: 6.22%
• White: 23.34%

At Carnegie Mellon University, 1.10% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

Carnegie Mellon University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at Carnegie Mellon University?

Carnegie Mellon University is known for its strong school spirit. The university has a variety of student-run organizations that promote school spirit, including cheerleading, dance teams, and pep bands. Additionally, students often attend sporting events such as football and basketball games, and there are also a number of traditions that promote school spirit, such as painting the fence and participating in the Kiltie Band. Overall, school spirit at Carnegie Mellon is vibrant and encourages students to take pride in their university.

What are some popular extracurriculars at Carnegie Mellon University?

Carnegie Mellon University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for its students. Some of the popular extracurriculars at Carnegie Mellon University are: 1. Student Government – Carnegie Mellon University has an active student government that is involved in various campus-wide initiatives and activities. 2. Athletics – Carnegie Mellon University has over 20 varsity sports teams that compete at the NCAA Division III level. They also have a range of club sports teams for students to participate in. 3. Performing Arts – The university has a strong performing arts program, including music, theater, and dance. Students can participate in productions, performances, and workshops. 4. Service Organizations – Carnegie Mellon University offers a variety of service organizations, giving students the chance to engage in community service and make a positive impact. 5. Entrepreneurship – Carnegie Mellon University encourages students to pursue their entrepreneurial interests through programs such as the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship. 6. Research and Innovation – The university is home to many research centers and initiatives, providing opportunities for students to engage in hands-on research projects and innovation endeavors. 7. Cultural Organizations – Carnegie Mellon University has a diverse student body and offers a wide range of cultural organizations for students to get involved in, from cultural clubs to international student associations.

How are the food choices at Carnegie Mellon University?

The food options at Carnegie Mellon University are quite diverse and offer a wide variety of choices to cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions. The main dining hall on campus, the Resnik Dining Hall, serves a mix of healthy and indulgent items such as salads, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, and desserts. There are also several cafes and grab-and-go options across campus that feature coffee, smoothies, snacks, and sandwiches. Additionally, there are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available at all dining locations. Students can use their meal plan or dining dollars to purchase meals and snacks at any of the on-campus dining options. Overall, the food quality and choices at Carnegie Mellon University are highly regarded by students.

Is there Greek life at Carnegie Mellon University?

Yes, Carnegie Mellon University has a strong Greek life presence on campus. There are currently 24 recognized fraternities and sororities at Carnegie Mellon, including cultural and professional organizations. Joining a Greek organization is a popular way for students to get involved on campus and develop leadership skills, as well as building lifelong friendships. However, it’s important to note that Greek life is not for everyone, and there are plenty of other ways to get involved on campus.

What is Carnegie Mellon University known for?

Carnegie Mellon University is known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts. It is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the United States. Some of its notable accomplishments include being the birthplace of the first artificial intelligence computer program, having alumni who have founded successful tech startups, and having a renowned School of Drama that has produced Tony and Academy award winners.

What are the most popular school clubs at Carnegie Mellon University?

At Carnegie Mellon University, some of the most popular school clubs include: 1. Buggy – A student-run activity where teams design and build small, aerodynamic vehicles and race them in a competition. 2. Scotch’n’Soda Theatre – A student-run theatre that produces several professional-quality plays and musicals each year. 3. Lunar Gala – A student-run fashion and dance show that showcases the creativity of students in fashion design, choreography, and technology. 4. Kiltie Band – A marching band that performs at university events and also participates in national and international parades and competitions. 5. Chess Club – A club for chess enthusiasts of all skill levels to come together and play games. These are just a few examples of the many student clubs and organizations available at Carnegie Mellon University. There are more than 300 student organizations on campus, so students have many options to choose from based on their interests.

Is the campus at Carnegie Mellon University safe?

Yes, the campus at Carnegie Mellon University is generally considered safe. The university has its own campus police force and employs numerous safety measures to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. However, as with any university, it is still important to exercise common sense and caution, and to be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is recommended that students also take advantage of safety resources and programs offered by the university.