Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon; CMU
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890
Campus Vibe
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Carnegie Mellon University is a private institution in Pittsburgh with particular strength in engineering and computer science. With an average SAT of 1545, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 7.2K undergraduates with a 5:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
93% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $114,862 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $31,671.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Carnegie Mellon University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1545
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
64.5%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$20,250
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
55
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (230)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
97%
- •97% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Carnegie was inspired for the design of his school by the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, founded by industrialist Charles Pratt in 1887.
- •In 1912, the institution changed its name to Carnegie Institute of Technology (CIT) and began offering four-year degrees.
- •The Mellon Institute of Industrial Research was founded in 1913 by banker and industrialist brothers Andrew Mellon (who went on to become U.
- •In 1927, the Mellon Institute was incorporated as an independent nonprofit.
- •In 1937, the Mellon Institute's iconic building was completed on Fifth Avenue.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Schools Like This
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Urban · Private
Villanova University
Villanova, PA · Suburban · Private
A T Still University of Health Sciences
Kirksville, MO · Town · Private
Academy for Jewish Religion
Yonkers, NY · Suburban · Private