Carnegie Mellon
Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Private
Carnegie Mellon admitted 11% of 34,867 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1500–1560 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 93% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Carnegie Mellon
Enter a score to see whether Carnegie Mellon is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It admits 11% of applicants, so it’s a reach for everyone, even with perfect scores.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 21% (553 of 2,680), compared with 11% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
7,117 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 4,937 took it, and 36 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Carnegie Mellon rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- GPA
- Activities
- Character
- Volunteering
Important
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Talent or ability
- First generation
Considered
- Test scores
- Where you live
- Work experience
Not considered
- Interview
- Legacy
- State residency
- Religion
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.89 GPA. 83% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $83,697 a year. After grants, students paid $32,964 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
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