About Carnegie Mellon University
The sticker price hits $82,297 annually, but financial aid brings the average net price down to $31,671. Graduates earn a median of $114,862 ten years out, making that $21,750 median debt load manageable with monthly payments of just $231. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $8,460 net, proving this top education remains accessible to determined minds regardless of background.
The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your code. With 97% of students returning after freshman year, the demanding culture clearly works for those who belong here. The 481 student-athletes compete as Tartans in Division III, balancing rigorous academics with sports. Nearly 34% of students are Asian, reflecting the school's global draw in technology fields.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 5:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 92.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 92.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 92.5%
- Retention Rate
- 97.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $114,862
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $160,116 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $133,383 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $120,549 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $114,223 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $107,758 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $106,421 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $95,295 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $94,940 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $94,408 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $89,859 |
Campus Life
The 5:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intense academic environment where professors know your name and your code. Students spend weekends in labs, studios, and maker spaces, often blurring the line between coursework and passion projects. The university's famous "My heart is in the work" motto becomes lived reality as computer science majors collaborate with drama students on interactive installations, and engineering students join art majors for late-night creative sessions. Pittsburgh's growing tech scene provides internships and job opportunities, with many students staying in the city after graduation to join startups or major companies.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 3,996 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1900
Campus Safety (2023)
31 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–37°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 25.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 50.0%
- Women
- 50.0%
- White
- 21.6%
- Black
- 4.2%
- Hispanic
- 10.8%
- Asian
- 33.6%
- In-State Students
- 8.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.2%
Location
- Address
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $114,862
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $121,367
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $84,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 91.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $231/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon accepts just 11.30% of applicants, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. Students admitted typically score between 1490 and 1570 on the SAT, reflecting the intense competition for spots at this tech powerhouse.
How much does Carnegie Mellon University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Carnegie Mellon is $31,671, lower than the $82,297 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,460 on average, though only 15.21% of students receive need-based aid due to the wealthy student population.
What is Carnegie Mellon University known for academically?
Carnegie Mellon dominates computer science and engineering while pioneering interdisciplinary programs that blend technology with arts and humanities. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intimate learning environments where students work directly with world-well-known researchers and professors.
How much do Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn?
Carnegie Mellon graduates earn a median salary of $114,862 ten years after graduation, among the highest in the nation. The 93.2% employment rate and strong tech industry connections reflect the university's reputation for producing highly sought-after graduates in lucrative fields.
Where is Carnegie Mellon University located and what is campus life like?
Carnegie Mellon sits in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, housing 3,996 students in a compact urban campus setting. The 97.01% retention rate suggests students thrive in this environment where tech innovation meets the cultural richness of a major city.
Does Carnegie Mellon University have a diverse student body?
Asian students comprise 33.56% of Carnegie Mellon's enrollment, the largest ethnic group, followed by white students at 21.62%. Only 8.55% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a truly national student body drawn by the university's top reputation in technology and research.
