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Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Private · 7,304 undergrads

Carnegie Mellon admits 11% of applicants (fall 2025, Common Data Set 2025-26), requires the SAT or ACT from some applicants for fall 2027, and regular decision is due Jan 4, 2027.

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Can I get into Carnegie Mellon?

11% of applicants get in

Grades and essays carry this one; most strong applicants still hear no. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1500–1560 on the SAT.

Add your SAT to see where you sit

Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

34,867 applied, 3,859 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).

What does Carnegie Mellon cost?

$35,780 a year

What students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The sticker price, with housing and food, is $86,759.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$14,468
$30,000–$48,000$4,293
$48,000–$75,000$17,816
$75,000–$110,000$24,455
over $110,000$56,003

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run Carnegie Mellon's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

Does Carnegie Mellon need the SAT or ACT?Required for some

Depends.

Required for some applicants for fall 2027. Computer Science applicants must send SAT or ACT scores. Engineering, Dietrich, Science, Tepper and Information Systems are test-flexible (AP or IB results can stand in), and Fine Arts is test-optional.

Which colleges require scores

Checked on cmu.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source

What it's like

7,304
undergrads. Mid-size: plenty of people, and professors who can learn your name.
City
Campus setting in Pittsburgh, PA.
98%
of first-years come back for year two.
79%
finish in four years. 93% within six.
$125.3k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$19k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists Carnegie Mellon is on

Colleges that require the SAT or ACTColleges due Jan 4Deadlines after Jan 1Most selective in PennsylvaniaColleges for a 1500 SATColleges for a 34 ACTColleges that meet full need

Questions people ask

Is Carnegie Mellon University test-optional for fall 2027?
It depends. Carnegie Mellon requires the SAT or ACT from some applicants for fall 2027. Computer Science applicants must send SAT or ACT scores. Engineering, Dietrich, Science, Tepper and Information Systems are test-flexible (AP or IB results can stand in), and Fine Arts is test-optional. Checked on cmu.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate?
11% for fall 2025: 3,859 of 34,867 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie Mellon University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1500 to 1560 (Common Data Set, fall 2025). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does Carnegie Mellon University cost for a family earning $60,000?
Families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $17,816 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $86,759.
When is the Carnegie Mellon University application deadline for fall 2027?
Early decision closed Nov 2, 2026. Regular decision is due Jan 4, 2027. Checked on cmu.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
Does Carnegie Mellon University have early decision?
Yes. 553 of 2,680 early decision applicants were admitted (21%) in fall 2025. Early decision is binding: if you're admitted, you go.