Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate 2025

Quick Answer

Carnegie Mellon University maintains one of the most selective acceptance rates in the United States at 11.66% as of the 2025 admissions cycle. With a tuition of $66,246 per year (same for in-state and out-of-state students), the university offers strong financial aid with an average net price of $31,944. Graduates earn a median of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the institution’s reputation for producing highly competitive professionals across technology, engineering, business, and the arts.

Acceptance Snapshot

Carnegie Mellon University’s acceptance rate of 11.66% reflects its position as one of the most competitive universities in the nation. As of April 2026 data, the university enrolls approximately 7,304 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs combined. The extremely low acceptance rate indicates that Carnegie Mellon receives applications from thousands of highly qualified candidates but admits only a small percentage, underscoring the institution’s rigorous admissions standards.

The university’s selectivity has remained consistently high year over year, driven by its world-renowned programs in computer science, engineering, drama, and business. Applicants should expect that strong academic credentials, standardized test scores, and compelling application materials are essential components of a competitive submission.

SAT & ACT Scores

The provided data does not include specific 25th-75th percentile ranges for SAT and ACT scores for the 2025 admissions cycle. Prospective students are encouraged to visit Carnegie Mellon’s official admissions website or contact the admissions office directly for current middle 50% test score ranges, as these figures are critical for self-assessment during the application process.

Tuition & Costs

Carnegie Mellon University charges $66,246 in annual tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, as the university does not differentiate tuition by residency. This figure represents the direct instructional cost and does not include room, board, books, or other expenses. The total cost of attendance, including housing, meals, and miscellaneous fees, typically exceeds the tuition figure significantly.

However, Carnegie Mellon’s financial aid program helps offset these costs. The average net price—what students pay after grants and aid are applied—is $31,944 per year, which is substantially lower than the sticker price. This demonstrates the university’s commitment to making education accessible to students across various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Financial Aid Overview

Carnegie Mellon provides substantial financial aid to admitted students. With an average net price of $31,944, the university ensures that many students pay less than half the published tuition rate. The university meets demonstrated financial need for admitted students and offers a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Students should note that the median student debt upon graduation is $21,750, indicating that while borrowing is part of the financial aid package for some students, the university’s grant aid significantly reduces the need for loans. Prospective students are encouraged to use the university’s net price calculator and contact the financial aid office for personalized estimates based on family circumstances.

Graduation Rates

Carnegie Mellon boasts a 93.3% completion rate, meaning that the vast majority of students who enroll complete their degree within the expected timeframe. This rate significantly exceeds the national average for four-year institutions and reflects both the quality of student preparation and the university’s commitment to student success. The high graduation rate is a testament to the institution’s academic support systems, career services, and overall student experience.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $114,862 ten years after initial enrollment, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. This figure places Carnegie Mellon among the highest-earning institutions in the nation and reflects the strong demand for graduates in fields such as computer science, engineering, business, and drama. The substantial earning potential is a significant factor for students evaluating return on investment in their education.

Popular Majors

The provided data does not include a detailed breakdown of the top majors by degrees awarded. For current information on the most popular programs and degree offerings at Carnegie Mellon, prospective students should consult the university’s academic programs page or contact the admissions office. Carnegie Mellon is particularly renowned for its School of Computer Science, College of Engineering, Tepper School of Business, and School of Drama.

Demographics

The provided data does not include demographic breakdowns by race, ethnicity, or gender for the current enrollment. For detailed information on student diversity at Carnegie Mellon, prospective students and researchers are encouraged to visit the university’s institutional research office or review the most recent data published by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) IPEDS database.

FAQ

What is Carnegie Mellon’s acceptance rate for 2025?

Carnegie Mellon’s acceptance rate for 2025 is 11.66%, making it one of the most selective universities in the United States. This means that fewer than 1 in 10 applicants are admitted, and prospective students should have exceptional academic credentials and strong application materials to be competitive.

How much does Carnegie Mellon cost?

Carnegie Mellon’s tuition is $66,246 per year for all students, regardless of residency. However, the average net price—what students actually pay after financial aid—is $31,944 per year, which is significantly lower than the published tuition rate.

What is the average student debt at Carnegie Mellon?

The median student debt at Carnegie Mellon is $21,750, which is relatively low compared to many universities. This reflects the institution’s generous financial aid packages that prioritize grants over loans.

What do Carnegie Mellon graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard data. This high earning potential reflects the strength of Carnegie Mellon’s academic programs and the demand for its graduates in competitive fields.

What is Carnegie Mellon’s graduation rate?

Carnegie Mellon has a 93.3% completion rate, meaning that the vast majority of students graduate on time. This rate is well above the national average and indicates strong student support and academic rigor.

Does Carnegie Mellon offer financial aid to international students?

The provided data does not specify financial aid policies for international students. Prospective international students should contact Carnegie Mellon’s admissions office directly to learn about merit scholarships, need-based aid, and other funding opportunities available to them.

What are Carnegie Mellon’s most popular majors?

While specific major enrollment data is not included in the current dataset, Carnegie Mellon is internationally recognized for its School of Computer Science, College of Engineering, Tepper School of Business, and School of Drama. Prospective students should visit the university’s academic programs page for detailed information on all available majors and minors.

How selective is Carnegie Mellon compared to other universities?

With an 11.66% acceptance rate, Carnegie Mellon is among the most selective universities in the nation, comparable to other elite institutions. Prospective students should prepare strong applications including high standardized test scores, excellent grades, and compelling essays and recommendations.

---

Data Sources

The statistics and figures in this article come from data fetched on April 11, 2026 from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard database. These sources provide standardized, verified data on college admissions, costs, financial aid, and post-graduation outcomes.

Important Note: College data changes annually. Prospective students and families should verify current tuition, acceptance rates, financial aid policies, and other information directly with Carnegie Mellon University’s admissions and financial aid offices. For the most up-to-date information, visit Carnegie Mellon’s official website.