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About Carnegie Mellon University
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.
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
Carnegie Mellon University True Cost by Family Income
15% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating CMU enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
vs Sticker Price
$0-30k
$8,200
$32,800
-87%
$30-48k
$10,400
$41,600
-83%
$48-75k
$18,600
$74,400
-70%
$75-110k
$32,400
$129,600
-48%
$110k+
$56,800
$227,200
-9%
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.
Engineering
22.4%
Computer Science
20.8%
Mathematics/Statistics
13.4%
Visual/Performing Arts
8.3%
Business/Marketing
8.2%
Multidisciplinary
7.7%
Physical Sciences
4.5%
Social Sciences
4.0%
Biological Sciences
3.1%
Student Demographics
White
21.6%
Black/African American
4.1%
Hispanic/Latino
10.2%
Asian
32.9%
International
19.8%
What Carnegie Mellon University Looks For 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
Financial Aid & Student Debt
15.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$78,200
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
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.
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