Carnegie Mellon University
School Overview: Acceptance Rate, Tuition, and More
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$57,560
Avg tuition
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About Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a medium-sized private university located on an urban campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. CMU was founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie as a technical institute and is now home to students from over 100 countries. The university has a strong focus on research and is home to a number of renowned programs, including the Robotics Institute and the Carnegie Mellon School of Computer Science. CMU also has a strong performing arts program, which includes the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic, one of the nation's top college orchestras.
Rankings
Learn more about how this school compares to other schools with rankings by BestColleges.
- #1 Ranked in Best Doctorate in Marketing Programs
Admissions Breakdown
Acceptance Rate Insight
This school has a competitive acceptance rate.
This school is a little more selective about its students. Competitive acceptance schools welcome 15-50% of all applicants.
This school has a competitive acceptance rate.
This school is a little more selective about its students. Competitive acceptance schools welcome 15-50% of all applicants.
17% of students were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but are still accessible to many students who apply.
Retention Rate Insight
Students remain enrolled in this school at a higher rate than other schools.
This typically means students are happy with their school selection and wish to continue their education there.
Learn more about how we determine school awards
Students remain enrolled in this school at a higher rate than other schools.
This typically means students are happy with their school selection and wish to continue their education there.
Learn more about how we determine school awards96% of full-time students stayed to continue their studies the following academic year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall 2020.
Graduation Rate Insight
Students graduate from this school at a higher rate than other schools.
This is typically an indication of a school's quality and means most students finish their degree in a timely manner.
Learn more about how we determine school awards
Students graduate from this school at a higher rate than other schools.
This is typically an indication of a school's quality and means most students finish their degree in a timely manner.
Learn more about how we determine school awards93% of students graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners. Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.
Application Considerations
Test scores Considered (not required)
High school transcript Required
High school rank Considered (not required)
Letter of recommendation Required
High school GPA Required
Open admission No
Completion of college prep program Required
Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) Required
Transfer Credit Policy
Dual enrollment Yes
Credit for qualified life experience* Implied no
Advance placement (AP) credits Yes
*This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials, or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a portfolio to earn credit.
SAT & ACT
Students who attend this school typically have higher standardized test scores than students at other schools.
While test scores can be an important aspect of college applications, schools determine admission based on several factors, and these test scores are only a suggested range.
Learn more about how we determine school awardsACT 25th-75th Percentile 33-35
SAT 25th-75th Percentile 1460-1560
Learning Environment
Student Body Stats
This school has a student body of between 5,000 and 15,000 students.
Learn more about how we determine school awardsThe student-to-faculty ratio at this school is lower than other schools.
This means there are more faculty for each student, which can create an opportunity for more individualized attention and support in your studies.
Learn more about how we determine school awards14k
Students enrolled
3%
Online student enrollment
5:1
Student to faculty ratio
Ways Students Can Learn
Demographics
Non-U.S. Citizen
37%
White
23%
Asian
21%
Unknown
6%
Hispanic
6%
Black
3%
Two or more races
3%
American Indian/Alaska Native
0%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0%
Female student population
43%
Socio-economic diversity
14% of students received an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.
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Student Charges
Tuition and Required Fees
| Student Level | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $57,560 | $57,560 |
| Graduate | $46,441 | $46,441 |
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree or certificate-seeking undergraduates for the 2020–2021 academic year.
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Books and supplies | $1,000 |
| On-campus room and board | $15,550 |
| On-campus other expenses | $1,400 |
| Off-campus (not with family) room and board | $14,740 |
| Off-campus (not with family) other expenses | $1,400 |
| Off-campus (with family) other expenses | $1,400 |
Total Undergraduate Cost
| Total cost by category | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus | $75,510 | $75,510 |
| Off-campus without family | $74,700 | $74,700 |
| Off-campus with family | $59,960 | $59,960 |
Financial Breakdown
Students Receiving Aid
Federal Grant Aid
14%
State Grant Aid
2%
Institution Grant Aid
50%
Pell Grant
14%
Average Aid Awarded
Financial Outlook
$23k
Average student debt after graduation
$84k
Average salary 6 years after starting school
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Data collected from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), [2020-2021]. In the absence of IPED data, information was collected directly from the school and is accurate as of the date of collection. Contact the school directly for the most current and complete information.
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