Carnegie Mellon University
Private college · Pittsburgh, PA · 7,304 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
12%
Very selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
Average net price
$35,780
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$86,759
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
94%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University accepts about 12 of every 100 applicants (12%), which makes it very selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1500 and 1570 on the SAT. A score at or above 1570 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1500, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 34–35.
The latest federal data says Carnegie Mellon University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Carnegie Mellon University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Carnegie Mellon University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $86,759 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $35,780 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $68,776 a year.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$68,776
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$68,776
- Room & board$18,894
- Total cost of attendance$86,759
- Average net price after grants$35,780
Popular majors
Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Fine Arts.
Carnegie Mellon University FAQ
- What is Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate?
- 12% — very selective.
- What SAT score do you need for Carnegie Mellon University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1500–1570. Aim for 1570 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Carnegie Mellon University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 34–35.
- Is Carnegie Mellon University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Carnegie Mellon University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Carnegie Mellon University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Carnegie Mellon University cost?
- About $86,759 a year before aid; $35,780 on average after grants.
- What is Carnegie Mellon University's FAFSA school code?
- 003242. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Carnegie Mellon University receives your information.
- What is Carnegie Mellon University's graduation rate?
- 94% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Carnegie Mellon University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haverford CollegeHaverford, PA | 12% | 1460–1550 | $31,075 | 89% |
| Swarthmore CollegeSwarthmore, PA | 7.5% | 1490–1560 | $17,392 | 92% |
| University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA | 5.4% | 1510–1570 | $29,577 | 97% |
| Williamson College of the TradesMedia, PA | 22% | — | $1,579 | 77% |
| Tufts UniversityMedford, MA | 11% | 1470–1560 | $38,797 | 94% |
| Notre DameNotre Dame, IN | 11% | 1455–1560 | $25,339 | 95% |