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Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 20,880
  • Tuition Fee From$ 18,495
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength14,305
  • Global Diversity47%
  • Gender Ratio56 : 44

Overview

About

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919) as the Carnegie Technical School, the university became the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1912 and began granting four-year degrees. In 1967, the Institute merged with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research to form Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). It is a private institution chartered by an Act of Assembly and approved on April 24th, 1800. It received its name from Andrew Carnegie who donated $500,000 to build and endow it with one condition: "that there be no sectarian instruction."

 

The school offers more than 150 bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral programs across seven colleges – Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Engineering; Heinz College; Mellon College of Science; Tepper School of Business; School of Computer Science; School of Design (all undergraduate); School of Drama (undergraduate); School Academic Programs. 

 

The university's 140-acre main campus is 3 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh and abuts the Museums of Pittsburgh, Schenley Park, and the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in the city's Oakland and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods. The university's campus is situated adjacent to Heinz Field and PNC Park; it is bordered by Schenley Park on the city's north side and includes buildings that have been added to Skyline Drive, including the Petersen Events Center. In addition to its main campus in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, the university has campuses in Qatar and Silicon Valley and a satellite campus at New York City's AT&T Building called PNC Plaza. The university also maintains multiple international locations throughout Asia; Europe; Latin America; and Africa.

 

The University is a leading research university with a strong tradition in technological research and education. CMU has a strong history in several areas of research, especially artificial intelligence, machine learning, supercomputing, and robotics. The university has been the birthplace of numerous innovative startups eg. Uber.

Ranking

US News and World Report in 2024 has ranked the university at #24 in National Universities. Carnegie Mellon was also placed at #24 in Best Value Schools and #4 in the Most Innovative Schools list. Here are some of the notable rankings that the university has achieved:

 

  • #49 - In the World - EduRank 2024
  • #40 - In North America - EduRank 2024
  • #37 - In the United States - EduRank 2024
  • #4 - In Pennsylvania - EduRank 2024

 

The programmes offered at CMU have been ranked based on several criteria. A few of those are listed below:

  • #3 - Best Colleges for Computer Science in America - Niche 2024
  • #3 - Best Colleges for Design in America - Niche 2024
  • #3 - Best Colleges for Information Technology in America - Niche 2024
  • #5 - Best Colleges for Math in America - Niche 2024
  • #6 - Best Colleges for Performing Arts in America - Niche 2024
  • #7 - Best Colleges for Business in America - Niche 2024
  • #7 - Best Colleges for Chemistry in America - Niche 2024
  • #10 - Best Colleges for Engineering in America - Niche 2024
  • #10 - Best Colleges for Architecture in America - Niche 2024

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2025

#58

-

2023

#52

#118

Facilities

Students can always use the resources provided by Carnegie Mellon University. This university has a wide range of facilities to offer and has been around for decades. Students who are new to the city won't have any problems because everything is taken care of by the university. We've highlighted a few of the university's most significant facilities below.

 

Libraries

The main library is the Hunt Library and it's located in the middle of campus, but there are also smaller libraries at each of CMU's four different campuses: Pittsburgh, Qatar, Silicon Valley, and Singapore. There are many study spaces and computer labs inside the libraries for students who want to focus on their work without any distractions.

 

Sports facilities

The University has engaged in a variety of sports programs. It includes sports like basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. It also has pool facilities with a diving board and a lifeguard on duty at all times. You can also find a fitness center with weights and cardio equipment that is open 24 hours a day every day of the week except on holidays.

 

Copy centers

The libraries have several copy centers, which are located in the basement of the Cohon University Center and the library. The cost to make copies varies based on what you're copying, but look for signage that indicates how much each item costs.

 

FMS storeroom

As a student, you may be interested in the FMS storeroom. Located in the basement of Cohon Center, this student-run store sells textbooks, clothing, and snacks.

Notable Alumni

Ted Danson
Ted Danson
American actor
Judith Light
Judith Light
American actress
Billy Porter
Billy Porter
American actor

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 11% for applicants in 2024. It is among the top 3% of the most difficult universities to gain admission to in the United States. 

The average acceptance rate over the past 11 years is 20.06%, and 2023's acceptance rate was 11.30%. For 2023 admission, it was slightly harder to get into Carnegie Mellon University than the previous year. Carnegie Mellon University has beep kept its acceptance rate very low and it is hard that applicants admit into the school. 

 

Entry Requirements

The university receives over 20,000 applications every year and only 15% of them get selected. The application fee for undergraduate and postgraduate programs is $75 and $200 for MBA programs. A strong GPA and SAT/ACT score are essential for your chance of admission to Carnegie Mellon University as it is a highly selective institution. CMU has its own high school course requirements and they are -

 

For Undergraduate Programs- 

  • Good high school performance
  • English Test Proficiency scores
  • IELTS: 7.5 Overall
  • TOEFL iBT or iBT Home Edition: 102 Overall score
  • TOEFL Essentials: 11 Overall band score
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 125 Overall 

 

For Postgraduate Programs

  • Bachelor's degree from a recognized university
  • GRE/GMAT Scores
  • English Test Proficiency scores
  • IELTS: 7.5 Overall
  • TOEFL iBT or iBT Home Edition: 102 Overall score
  • TOEFL Essentials: 11 Overall band score
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 125 Overall 

 

Available Courses

As the world's first private institution to offer an engineering degree, CMU continues to set the standard for academic excellence. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the university attracts students from around the globe who are interested in pursuing their goals with other scholars. 

 

It offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and minors and more than 80 graduate programs. Computer Science, Business Administration, and Management, General, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Statistics, General, Systems Science and Theory, Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology, Chemical Engineering, and Drama are some of the university's most popular majors.

 

Fees

There are over 100 majors and specialisations available at the university. Along with collaborative programs, there are a variety of multidisciplinary possibilities. There are several courses listed under each program. It's important to know that tuition and student fees are on the high end compared to other colleges. The average cost of tuition per year is $50,500. The Carnegie Mellon University fees for some of the top programs are as follows:

 

  • M.B.A - $78,451 /Year
  • M.S Computer Science - $29,221 /Year
  • M.S Artificial Intelligence and Innovation - $62,849 /Year
  • M.S Robotic Systems Development - $58,771 /Year
  • M.S Machine Learning - $59,960 /Year
  • Master of Computational Data Science - $67,211 /Year

 

Placements

Carnegie Mellon University is known for its success in producing graduates who have gone on to secure jobs with top companies in their fields. The college is also known for its high-quality alumni outcomes, which include Fortune 500 companies like Google and Apple hiring graduates from the program.

 

Within three months, over 91% of graduates accepted a job offer, and 94% did so within 90 days of graduating. Over 35 different firms made offers to 89%, and 87% of them were accepted. According to a survey, 89% of students in the USA found full-time employment.

Scholarship

Carnegie Mellon University does not offer international students any scholarships. In such a scenario turning to UniScholars might be your best option. It is a marketplace of external scholarships to which you can apply. Their scholarship advisors are dedicated to identifying opportunities that promote inclusivity, ensuring that every student, regardless of their circumstances, has a fair chance to pursue their international education dreams.

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend Carnegie Mellon University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

About 86,000 students from 10 colleges and institutions reside in Pittsburgh, which has consistently been ranked as one of America's most livable cities. Pittsburgh is ranked third for students among mid-sized metro regions by the American Institute of Economic Research.

 

The city has a plethora of attractions, from exploring scientific museums and film festivals to dining at neighbourhood restaurants. In the city, it is feasible to locate affordable housing for students, particularly in studios or shared apartments. Students can lower their total cost of living in Pittsburgh by selecting an apartment where utilities are part of the rent. The following are living expenditures (monthly) that prospective students at Carnegie Mellon University should plan for:


 

Items

Cost

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$1034

On-Campus Accommodation

$906

Transportation

$98

Food Cost

$525

Utility Cost

$201

Entertainment

$44

Groceries

$62

Clothes

$96

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

$2140

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

$2012

Annual Cost of Living

$25680

FAQs