Overview
Carnegie Mellon University was founded in 1900 by industrialist Andrew Carnegie as the Carnegie Technical Schools, later merging with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research in 1967 to form CMU. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the university has grown into a world-renowned research institution, particularly celebrated for its School of Computer Science, College of Engineering, and Tepper School of Business, as well as its top-ranked drama and fine arts programs. CMU is widely credited with pioneering fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and software engineering as academic disciplines.
At a Glance
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1900 |
| Total students | 16,600 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 6:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 11% |
| Graduation rate | 91% |
| Average starting salary | $95,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $62,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $62,500 |
| Room & board | $16,500 |
| Average financial aid | $45,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 55% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1500-1560 |
| ACT range | 34-35 |
| Average GPA | 3.9 |
| Regular deadline | January 3 |
Top Programs
- Computer Science
- Robotics
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Drama
- Business Administration
- Design
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.