Carnegie Mellon University is a private non-profit institution located in Pittsburgh, PA, offering 129 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. The institution maintains a strong graduation rate of 92.52%, demonstrating a commitment to student success and completion. Financial aid significantly reduces the cost of attendance, with the average net price after aid at $31,671.

Key Facts

  • 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $63,829
  • 2024 Average Net Price: $31,671 After Financial Aid
  • 2024 Acceptance Rate: 11.40% Selective
  • 2024 Enrolled Students: 7,187 N/A% Full-Time
  • 2024 Graduation Rate: 92.52%
  • Average SAT Score: 1545

Costs

Tuition Costs

$63,829
2024 Undergraduate Tuition

In 2024, the cost of tuition at Carnegie Mellon University was $63,829.

Tuition comparison with similar institutions.

Average Net Price

$31,671
2024 Value

In 2024 Carnegie Mellon University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $31,671.

Average net price comparison with similar institutions.

Total Cost of Attendance

$126,684 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost

$31,671 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)

$255,316 4-Year Tuition

Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.

4-year total cost breakdown for Carnegie Mellon University.

Financial Aid by Income Level

15.21% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants

35.50% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans

Financial aid distribution by income level.

Student Loan Default Rate

Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)

The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Carnegie Mellon University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.

Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.40% Acceptance Rate

This institution is highly selective, accepting fewer than 3 in 10 applicants.

Acceptance rate compared to national average.

Test Scores

SAT Average: 1545

Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.

Academic Requirements

Estimated GPA Range: 3.9 - 4.0

Estimated Median GPA: 4.00

Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.

Estimated GPA and test score ranges.

Enrollment

Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment

N/A% Full-Time Enrollment

The total enrollment at Carnegie Mellon University in 2024 is 7,187 students.

Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.

Retention Rate over Time

N/A%
2024 Retention Rate

Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.

Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.

Graduates & Outcomes

Time to Complete

79.11% 100% Completion Time

92.52% 150% Completion Time

In 2024, 79.11% of students graduating from Carnegie Mellon University completed their program within 100% "normal time".

Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.

ROI & Programs

Financial value and program information for Carnegie Mellon University.

Return on Investment

$21,750 Median Student Debt

$114,862 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)

18.94% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio

806.68% Return on Investment

1.9 years Estimated Payback Period

Financial value analysis for Carnegie Mellon University.

Top Programs by Completions

10 Programs Reporting Data

General Computer & Information Sciences: 697 completions

Electrical & Electronics Engineering: 556 completions

Computer Science: 370 completions

CIP 52.1301: 304 completions

Mechanical Engineering: 293 completions

CIP 14.0903: 237 completions

Agricultural Mechanization: 234 completions

CIP 52.0201: 190 completions

CIP 27.0501: 182 completions

Other/Unknown Programs: 6,022 completions

Most popular programs at Carnegie Mellon University.

Employment Outcomes

$105,360 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)

$105,524 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)

$114,862 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)

Earnings outcomes for Carnegie Mellon University graduates.

About

Carnegie Mellon University is a private non-profit institution located in Pittsburgh, PA, offering 129 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 7,187 students. It is highly selective, with an admission rate of 11.40%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1545. The institution maintains a 92.52% graduation rate. Approximately 15.21% of students receive Pell Grants.

Institution Type

Private Non-profit

Location

Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890

Region: Mid East

Insights and Analysis

Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 92.52% graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.

Strong Career Outcomes: Carnegie Mellon University graduates report median earnings of $114,862 ten years after entry, placing them among the higher-earning college graduates nationally. This strong earnings potential reflects both the quality of education and the career opportunities available to graduates.

Diverse Program Offerings: With over 129 distinct degree programs, Carnegie Mellon University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.

Data Sources

This page uses data from the following sources:

  • College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
    • Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
    • Data years: 2015-2024
    • Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
    • Employment and wage data by occupation
    • Latest data: May 2024
    • Source: bls.gov/oes
  • O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
    • Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
    • Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
    • Source: onetcenter.org
  • IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
    • Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
    • Data years: 2015-2024
    • Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
  • Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
    • Demographic and workforce data
    • Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
    • Source: census.gov/acs

Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.

Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.

Methodology

Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.

All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.