College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University Featured Image
  Universities  United States  College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University
College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University Logo

College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 20,880
  • Tuition Fee From$ 18,495
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength14,305
  • Global Diversity44%
  • Gender Ratio56 : 44

Overview

About

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is renowned for its excellence in education and research, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, it is also home to one of the most prestigious colleges of fine arts in the world. The College of Fine Arts (CFA) at Carnegie Mellon University is dedicated to providing its students with a comprehensive education in the arts and preparing them for successful careers in their chosen fields. The college offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in art, design, architecture, music, drama, and dance. Students in the college can earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), or a Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA) degree. The college also offers several joint degree programmes in collaboration with other schools within the university, allowing students to combine their artistic interests with other academic disciplines.

 

One of the strengths of the College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University is its faculty. The college boasts an impressive roster of faculty members, who are both accomplished artists and dedicated teachers. Many of the faculty members are active in their respective fields, and their work has been exhibited or performed around the world. In addition, the college brings in a variety of visiting artists and scholars each year to provide students with additional perspectives and opportunities for learning.

 

The college is also known for its facilities and resources. The college has several state-of-the-art facilities, including the Purnell Centre for the Arts, which houses several theatres, a concert hall, and a black box studio. The college also has several galleries, studios, and performance spaces that are available to students for their projects and performances. In addition, the college has a wide range of resources available to its students, including specialised equipment and software, research resources, and access to a variety of internship and employment opportunities.

 

The College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University is committed to providing its students with a comprehensive education in the arts, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and experimentation. The college encourages its students to explore a variety of artistic disciplines and to think critically about the role of art in society. Through its programmes, the college aims to prepare its students to be leaders in their respective fields, with the skills and knowledge necessary to make meaningful contributions to the arts community and beyond.

Ranking

The College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University consistently ranks among the top institutions for arts education. With nationally acclaimed programs in art, design, drama, music, and architecture, the college's interdisciplinary approach fosters a creative and collaborative environment. Renowned faculty members bring their expertise to the classroom, while state-of-the-art facilities provide students with the resources they need. 

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

#52

-

Facilities

The College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University offers a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide an enriching and conducive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Below are some of the widely used facilities at the institution -

 

Purnell Centre for the Arts: This state-of-the-art facility serves as the hub for many of the college's activities. It houses multiple theatres, including the Kresge Theatre, a proscenium-style theatre, and the Philip Chosky Theatre, a black box theatre. These venues are used for performances, theatrical productions, concerts, and other artistic events. The Purnell Centre also features the Purnell Gallery, an exhibition space that showcases visual arts and design works.

 

Randy Pausch Memorial Bridge: This unique structure connects the College of Fine Arts with the College of Engineering. The bridge, named after the late CMU professor Randy Pausch, is adorned with interactive LED lights that respond to movement, creating an immersive and artistic experience.

 

STUDIO for Creative Enquiry: STUDIO is an interdisciplinary research laboratory that supports experimentation, innovation, and collaboration between art, science, and technology. It provides artists and researchers with access to cutting-edge equipment, resources, and technical support to explore the intersection of art and technology.

 

The Frame: The Frame is a dedicated gallery space within the College of Fine Arts that exhibits the work of students, faculty, and visiting artists. It offers a platform for showcasing a diverse range of visual art, design, and architectural projects.

 

Drama and Music Rehearsal Spaces: The College of Fine Arts features numerous rehearsal spaces for drama and music students. These include practise rooms for individual instrument or vocal practise, ensemble rooms for group rehearsals, and specialised spaces for theatrical rehearsals and performances.

 

Art Studios and Workspaces: The college provides dedicated studio spaces for art and design students to create and work on their projects. These studios are equipped with various art-making tools, equipment, and materials to facilitate the exploration of different mediums and techniques.

 

School of Architecture Fabrication Lab: The School of Architecture offers a well-equipped fabrication lab that includes advanced tools and machinery for prototyping and model-making. Students can access 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and other fabrication resources to bring their architectural designs to life.

 

Performance Venues: In addition to the theatres in the Purnell Centre, the College of Fine Arts also utilises other performance venues across the campus, including the Chosky Theatre in the Cohon University Centre, the Alumni Concert Hall, and the Rauh Studio Theatre.

Notable Alumni

Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol
American visual artist
Philip Pearlstein
Philip Pearlstein
American painter
Raymond Saunders
Raymond Saunders
American artist

Courses

Admission

College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University Entry Requirements

The College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University sets high standards for admission, ensuring that students admitted to their programmes demonstrate exceptional talent and potential in their chosen artistic discipline. Entry requirements typically include a strong academic background, with emphasis on relevant coursework in the arts and humanities. Applicants are expected to submit a portfolio or audition that showcases their artistic abilities and creativity. 

 

College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University Fees

College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University offers several programmes at different levels. Listed below are the fees based on popular courses offered by the institution -

 

College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University

 

Placements

The College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University has a strong reputation for producing talented and successful graduates in the arts and design industries. The college's focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research, combined with a rigorous academic program and exceptional facilities, prepares students to excel in their respective fields.

 

The college's Career Services Office provides a wide range of resources and supports students as they prepare to enter the workforce. These resources include one-on-one career counselling, job search strategies, resume and portfolio reviews, interview preparation, networking opportunities, and access to job and internship listings. The office also hosts career fairs and other events throughout the year, connecting students with potential employers and industry professionals.

 

According to the college's most recent placement data, 94% of undergraduate and graduate students were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. Some notable employers of College of Fine Arts graduates include Pixar Animation Studios, Nike, Google, Apple, HBO, Walt Disney Imagineering, and more.

Scholarship

These are the various scholarships offered by the College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon University: 

 

  • Dean's Innovation Fund (CFA) 

Provides Dean Dan J. Martin with the financial flexibility to allocate money to the college's areas of greatest need. 

  • School of Architecture Merit Scholarship Fund 

Provides talented undergraduates enrolled in the school with merit-based scholarship support. 

  • School of Art Head's Innovation Fund 

Supports emerging opportunities and new ideas by providing the school's head with current-use funding. 

  • Heritage Scholarship Fund in the School of Music 

Provides talented undergraduates enrolled in the school with merit-based scholarship support. 

  • School of Design Merit Scholarship Fund 

Provides talented undergraduates enrolled in the school with merit-based scholarship support. 

  • School of Drama Visiting Artists Fund 

Supports broadening the education of the school's students by exposing them to a cross-section of practising artists, educators, researchers and theoreticians.  

 

If you’re not able to win any of the above scholarships then turning to external scholarships can be fruitful. UniScholars is a marketplace of external scholarships. Through collaborations with diverse institutions and organisations, UniScholars ensures that students from all disciplines can pursue their educational aspirations with financial support readily available. Whether you're planning to study abroad or seeking assistance with tuition fees, UniScholars streamlines the application process, empowering students to concentrate on their studies while alleviating financial burdens.

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 college. 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 the College of Fine Arts, 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 college halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the college, 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 college, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. It is home to several universities. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, with parks and hiking trails nearby. The city is also located at the confluence of three rivers, providing opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports. The overall cost of living in Pittsburgh is 3% higher than the state average and the same as the national average. Housing is much more affordable in the city compared to utilities. The locality also is a factor that affects the total budget. Below is a list of the expenses that prospective students should keep in mind -

 

Items

Cost

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$1,034

On-Campus Accommodation

$784

Transportation

$106

Food Cost

$401

Utility Cost

$201

Entertainment

$45

Groceries

$60

Clothes

$94

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation 

$2,021

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation 

$1,771

Annual Cost of Living

$24,252

FAQs