Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University at a Glance
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
| 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% |
Carnegie Mellon University Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown
Should You Live On or Off Campus at Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University has 3,996 on-campus beds for 7,497 undergrads — that's enough for about 53% of the undergraduate population. Housing is limited. Many students live off campus after freshman year.
On-Campus
- Walk to classes — no commute
- Meal plan included
- Built-in community and social life
- Utilities, wifi, and furniture included
Off-Campus
- Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
- More privacy and independence
- Cook your own meals — save on food
- Need to budget for utilities and transport
Carnegie Mellon University Campus & Location
Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, PA — classified as City: Large. Students have access to a major metro area with extensive dining, entertainment, internship, and public transit options.
Carnegie Mellon University Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | Carnegie Mellon University Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | #1 | $119,625 | $75,000 | +60% |
| Engineering | #6 | $114,840 | $72,000 | +60% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $98,890 | $62,000 | +60% |
| Business | #7 | $79,750 | $55,000 | +45% |
| Physical Sciences | — | $76,560 | $48,000 | +60% |
| Architecture | — | $69,600 | $48,000 | +45% |
| Social Sciences | — | $65,250 | $45,000 | +45% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | — | $60,900 | $42,000 | +45% |
| Biological Sciences | — | $60,900 | $42,000 | +45% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $55,100 | $38,000 | +45% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $55,100 | $38,000 | +45% |
| Psychology | — | $52,200 | $36,000 | +45% |
| English Language & Literature | — | $52,200 | $36,000 | +45% |
| Liberal Arts & General Studies | — | $50,750 | $35,000 | +45% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $49,300 | $34,000 | +45% |
Popular Majors at Carnegie Mellon University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
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.
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 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Carnegie Mellon University
More About Carnegie Mellon University
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Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Carnegie Mellon University is not affiliated with DeepColleges.