Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

Carnegie Mellon University has a 11.0% acceptance rate. Carnegie Mellon University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Pittsburgh, PA, with a median SAT of 1540 and a median ACT of 35. The average net price is $31,944 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

11.0%

33,000 applicants

SAT Median

1540

Combined score

ACT Median

35

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$31,944

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Carnegie Mellon University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Carnegie Mellon University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)148015401570
ACT (composite, 1–36)333535

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

93.3%

Retention Rate

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$114,862

Student Body

7,304

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Carnegie Mellon University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$9,097
$30,001 – $48,000$6,994
$48,001 – $75,000$14,468
$75,001 – $110,000$24,865
$110,000+$51,480

Top Majors at Carnegie Mellon University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Engineering389
Computer & Information Sciences279
Mathematics & Statistics193
Business, Management & Marketing175
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies160
Visual & Performing Arts137
Physical Sciences89
Social Sciences63
Biological & Biomedical Sciences55
Architecture51

Financial Aid at Carnegie Mellon University

About Carnegie Mellon University

Official website: https://www.cmu.edu/

Admissions: https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnegie Mellon University

What is the acceptance rate at Carnegie Mellon University?

Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 11%. it received about 33,000 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1540; the average net price is $31,944 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Carnegie Mellon University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Carnegie Mellon University?

Getting into Carnegie Mellon University is highly competitive — it admits 11% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1540. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Carnegie Mellon University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Carnegie Mellon University?

Admitted students at Carnegie Mellon University typically have a median SAT around 1540 and a median ACT around 35. With a 11% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, PA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Carnegie Mellon University?

The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,944 per year after grants and scholarships. about 52% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $48,000 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Carnegie Mellon University?

Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 93%. its first-year retention rate is 98%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $114,862. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Carnegie Mellon University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Carnegie Mellon University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Carnegie Mellon University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1540. With a 11% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Carnegie Mellon University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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