Carnegie Mellon University

Private · Highly Selective · PA

Photo: Dllu (CC BY-SA 4.0)

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationPA · Northeast

SettingUrban

Undergrads7,304

Student:faculty5:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate81.4%

6-yr grad rate94.1%

Drop-out rate2%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$66k

Out-of-state tuition$66k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity78.4%

Gender diversity49.1%

International19.1%

Identity—

Overview

Carnegie Mellon is a Pittsburgh research university with an unusual dual identity — elite in computer science, robotics, and engineering, and equally serious in drama, design, and the fine arts. The intersection of technology and art genuinely defines the culture here rather than existing as separate, siloed schools, and CMU's distinctive interdisciplinary dual-degree programs let students formally combine the two.

Academics

The School of Computer Science and College of Engineering are among the most respected in the country, drawing an intensely technical, project-driven student body, while the School of Drama — the oldest degree-granting drama program in the US — and the School of Design carry comparable prestige in the arts. CMU also offers structured dual-degree paths that pair a technical major with a fine-arts or humanities one for students who want both formally recognized. Workloads across all schools are demanding, and the culture rewards students who thrive on rigorous, often collaborative work.

Campus & student life

Student life is heavily shaped by the workload — CMU students are known for being intensely dedicated to their craft, whether that's a coding project or a design studio critique. The Fence, a physical, frequently repainted landmark students use to advertise events and mark occasions, and the kilt-wearing Kiltie Band are enduring campus quirks, and Spring Carnival's buggy races are a signature annual tradition. Pittsburgh offers an affordable, revitalized city backdrop just beyond campus.

Getting in

CMU admits by specific school, and each has distinct expectations — computer science and engineering applicants are evaluated heavily on demonstrated technical ability and coursework, while drama, art, and design applicants typically audition or submit a portfolio, making the process feel almost like applying to several different colleges depending on major.

After graduation

Graduates are heavily recruited by major technology companies for computer science, engineering, and robotics, including strong ties into the autonomous-vehicle and robotics industries, while drama and design graduates place into entertainment, theater, and design industries; the alumni network is particularly strong in tech.

Worth knowing

Because CMU admits directly into a specific school and switching between very different schools — say, drama to computer science — afterward can be difficult, applicants should be confident about which side of the university's dual identity they're aiming for before applying. The Fence and Spring Carnival are worth knowing as genuine markers of campus culture, not just trivia.

cmu.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate11.7%

Enrolled mid-50%SAT 1500–1570 · ACT 34–35

Test policyoptional

Rec letters2

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

Early decisionNov 2

Regular decisionJan 4

Verified from the school’s admissions page ↗

Applying (2026-27 cycle)

Apply through Common App.

Early Decision is binding and isn't offered for the School of Drama, BXA Design programs, or the School of Music. Regular Decision applicants to the Schools of Drama and Music have a December 1 deadline instead of the standard January 4; BXA Design applicants follow the standard Regular Decision deadline.

Verified from the school’s admissions pages ↗