CAMPUS · PITTSBURGH, PA · PRIVATE

Carnegie Mellon University

11.4%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

REACH

Carnegie Mellon University is a reach for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

11.4%

of 33,707 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$114,862

across all majors

Carnegie Mellon University at a Glance

17,136

Total Enrollment

$21,750

Median Debt

15.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Carnegie Mellon University

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	730	770	750
SAT Math	770	800	785
SAT Total	1500	1570	1535
ACT Composite	34	35	34

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	33,707
Students Admitted	3,843
Students Enrolled	1,708
Yield Rate	44.4%

Carnegie Mellon University Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News National Universities	#24	2025
QS World University Rankings	#52	2025
THE World University Rankings	#24	2025
ARWU (Shanghai)	#96	2024

Show 10-Year US News Ranking History

US News National Universities
2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
#23	#24	#25	#25	#25	#26	#25	#22	#24	#24

US News National Universities: #23 (2016) → #24 (2025) ↓ 1 spots

Carnegie Mellon University Overview

Carnegie Mellon University is a private university in Pittsburgh, PA with 17,136 students. Its 11.4% acceptance rate places it among America's most selective universities. The most popular majors are Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics/Statistics.

Full Name	Carnegie Mellon University
Location	Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
Type	Private
Website	cmu.edu/
Total Enrollment	17,136
Undergrad Enrollment	7,497
Female Students	49.4%

Is Carnegie Mellon University a Reach, Match, or Safety?

With an acceptance rate of 11.4%, Carnegie Mellon University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.

Your Profile	Carnegie Mellon University Is...	What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application	Match	Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths	Reach	Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA	Hard Reach	Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates

Popular Majors at Carnegie Mellon University

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Engineering

22.4%

Computer Science

20.8%

Mathematics/Statistics

13.4%

Visual/Performing Arts

8.3%

Business/Marketing

8.2%

Best Majors at Carnegie Mellon University →

Student Demographics

White

21.6%

Black/African American

4.1%

Hispanic/Latino

10.2%

Asian

32.9%

International

19.8%

How to Get Into Carnegie Mellon University

CMU is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1535+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, CMU wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.

1535

Target SAT Score

Target ACT Score

11.4%

Acceptance Rate

33,707

Total Applicants

What Carnegie Mellon University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Considered
Standardized Test Scores	Important
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation	Very Important
Extracurricular Activities	Very Important
Talent Ability	Very Important
Character Personal Qualities	Important
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Considered
Interview	Considered
Work Experience	Considered
Volunteer Work	Considered

Carnegie Mellon University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the Carnegie Mellon University ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

Deadline	Date
Early Decision	Nov 1
Early Decision II	Jan 3
Regular Decision	Jan 3
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)	Feb 15

Early Decision: Carnegie Mellon University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Carnegie Mellon University is your clear first choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnegie Mellon University

What is CMU's acceptance rate?

CMU has an acceptance rate of 11.4%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.

What SAT score do I need for CMU?

The middle 50% SAT range at CMU is 1500-1570. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 34-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.

What are the most popular majors at CMU?

The most popular majors at CMU by degrees awarded are: Engineering (22.4%), Computer Science (20.8%), Mathematics/Statistics (13.4%), Visual/Performing Arts (8.3%), Business/Marketing (8.2%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.

Can I transfer to CMU?

CMU accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.