Carnegie Mellon admitted 11% of applicants for fall 2025 (3,859 of 34,867, Common Data Set 2025-26). Carnegie Mellon admitted 21% of early decision applicants (553 of 2,680). Carnegie Mellon requires the SAT or ACT from some applicants for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1500–1560.
The numbers
Applied
34,867
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
34–36
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.89
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
46%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$75
waivers exist
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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.
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).
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.
For fall 2025, 553 of 2,680 early decision applicants got in (21%), against 11% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 2, 2026
55days
Regular decision
Due Monday, Jan 4, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
7,117 students were offered a spot on the wait list.
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Carnegie Mellon looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, class rank, GPA, activities, character, volunteering.
Counts a lot
Essay, recommendations, talent or ability, first in your family to go to college.
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, where you live, work experience.
As Carnegie Mellon rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate?
Carnegie Mellon admitted 11% of applicants for fall 2025 (3,859 of 34,867, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Carnegie Mellon University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1500–1560. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Carnegie Mellon University early decision?
For fall 2025, 553 of 2,680 early decision applicants got in (21%), against 11% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
