Carnegie Mellon University is one of the top private research universities in USA, established in the year 1900. This university is consistently ranked by global ranking agencies like QS, US News and World Reports, THE (Times Higher Education) and others. Carnegie Mellon University QS ranking is #52 in World University Ranking, 2024. Is Carnegie Mellon University Ivy League? No, it is not an Ivy League Universities in USA. Carnegie Mellon University admissions are offered across seven interdisciplinary schools as
- College of Engineering
- College of Fine Arts
- Dietrich College (Humanities and Social Sciences College)
- Heinz College (Information Systems and Public Policy Management)
- Mellon College of Science
- School of Computer Science
- Tepper School of Business

are offered to more than 14,500 students, coming from more than 100 countries. More than 1,300 faculties from 50 countries teach these students. This university has two early action deadlines, one regular decision deadline and an early admission deadline (for the students who apply a year early). For undergraduate admissions, this university is currently not accepting applications from international students. However, for admission to Carnegie Mellon University graduate programs, the application deadline is August 31 for Spring season. Carnegie Mellon University IELTS requirement is 7.5, which is higher. Undergraduate tuition fees for Carnegie Mellon University degrees are USD 62,260 (INR 51,75,331). Tuition fees for graduate programs are USD 48,770 (INR 40,53,982).
Carnegie Mellon University, commonly known as CMU, offers various scholarships to study in USA for international students. If you are eligible, you can apply for Presidential, Federal and State grants, Endowed scholarships. Students graduated from this university, can earn an average annual salary of USD 108,000 (INR 89,77,446), in companies like Amazon, Johnson and Johnson, Google, Intel, Microsoft and many more.
Why Choose Carnegie Mellon University
This university is listed among the top private universities in USA and has been ranked by renowned ranking agencies. Many international students choose this university to study in USA, but why? We have curated some reasons just for you, so that you get enough information about the same.
- This university holds a vast network of distinguished scholars, artists, entrepreneurs and scientists who’ve collected prestigious awards that include Fulbright Scholarships, Nobel Prizes, Turing Awards, Tony Awards and more
- For 2024, U.S. News & World Report named CMU as the 24th Best National University and the 24th Best Value School.
- Carnegie Mellon University job placement rate is around 95%, which makes it a good choice for international students.
- Though not an Ivy League Universities in USA, CMU is considered of holding the same teaching expertise like Ivy League universities.
- Average salary of CMU graduates is very high at USD 108,000 (INR 89,77,446) per year.
Carnegie Mellon University Ranking
Carnegie Mellon University is a top choice to study in USA for Indian students after 12th due to its global accreditation and ranking. Below, we have given some popular Carnegie Mellon University ranking
- #24 in National Universities in US News and World Reports, 2024
- #52 in QS World University Ranking, 2024
- #24 in THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking, 2024
Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate
Carnegie Mellon University does not provide accurate information on their acceptance rate. Though, not listed under US universities with high acceptance rates with Carnegie Mellon University acceptance rate of 11%, each year many international students apply for Carnegie Mellon University admissions. Some of the key points of students admitted to CMU are given below
- Though CMU is test optional, admitted students have a SAT score of 1490 to 1570
- ACT score of 34 to 35
- Early decision acceptance rate of 13%
Carnegie Mellon University Courses and Fees
Being an international student, you need to know about the cost of studying in USA, before applying to any university. Computer Science, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Business Administration and Management, Mechanical Engineering are among the popular majors of this university. Carnegie Mellon University courses and fees for international students are given in the table below
| Courses | Carnegie Mellon University Fees/ year |
| BS in Computer Science | USD 62,260 (INR 51,75,643) |
| BS in Electrical and Electronics Engineering | |
| BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) | |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | USD 54,700 (INR 45,47,184) |
| MS in Computer Science | USD 54,420 (INR 45,23,907) |
| MBA | USD 37,856 (INR 31,46,950) |
| MS in Chemical Engineering | USD 54,700 (INR 45,47,184) |
| MS in Artificial Intelligence | USD 48,770 (INR 40,54,226) |
| MS in Statistics | USD 50,000 (INR 41,56,475) |
| MS in Business Analytics | USD 36,126 (INR 30,03,136) |
Note: USD 1= INR 83.13 as on January 30, 2024
Carnegie Mellon University Application Deadlines and Process
CMU is currently not accepting applications from international undergraduate students. For admission to US universities at Carnegie Mellon University, the application process is completely online via the Common Application for undergraduate programs. Graduate students need to apply via the CMU online application. For this, you have to pay Carnegie Mellon University application fee for international students of USD 75 (INR 6,235). If accepted, apply for a US student visa as early as possible. Check below for more details

Carnegie Mellon University Documents Required
Is Carnegie Mellon University test optional? Yes, CMU is test optional for international students. You can choose to submit standardized test scores like SAT or ACT. To get into the top universities in USA, you have to submit some documents with your online application. These documents prove that you have submitted all the true and correct information in your application. However, the documents required are

Carnegie Mellon University Admission Requirements
You need to have qualifying scores in exams to study in USA to be eligible for admissions. TOEFL, IELTS, DET are some of the exams through which you can prove your English proficiency. Check out the below table to know more about the requirements for Carnegie Mellon University international students.
| Exams | Required Scores |
| IELTS score for USA | 7.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 102 |
| DET | 135 |
Carnegie Mellon University Cost of Living
It is important to know about the cost of living in USA before arriving to the country. It helps to plan your budget more conveniently. Not only that, but it is difficult to calculate the exact living costs, as we all have different lifestyle and living standards. However, we have given a table below that will guide you to an estimated cost of living at Carnegie Mellon University
| Expense type | Cost |
| Activity Fee | USD 288 (INR 23,941) |
| Transportation Fee | USD 256 (INR 21,281) |
| Media Fee | USD 10 (INR 831) |
| Technology Fee | USD 460 (INR 38,240) |
| Living Expenses - Housing | USD 10,400 (INR 8,64,547) |
| Living Expenses - Food | USD 3,534 (INR 2,93,780) |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, Equipment | USD 1,000 (INR 83,129) |
| Estimated Loan Fees & Miscellaneous | USD 1,400 (INR 1,16,381) |
| Transportation Allowance | USD 680 (INR 56,528) |
Note: USD 1= INR 83.13 as on January 30, 2024
In addition, health insurance coverage is required at an estimated cost of USD 2,577/year (INR 2,14,225). An Orientation Fee of USD 555 (INR 46,137) is also charged to incoming first-year students for the fall semester only.
Carnegie Mellon University Extracurricular Activities and Diversity
At CMU, there are 23 club sports organizations, including figure skating, crew (rowing), cricket, rugby, Ultimate Frisbee, cycling, fencing and martial arts. Apart from these, you can also join in intramural sports, and varsity sports. This university is known for its diverse student community. It has a male to female student ratio of 50:50 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1.
Carnegie Mellon University Scholarships for International Students
Apart from scholarships and bursaries, Carnegie Mellon University also offers education loans to study in the USA. Types of scholarships offered by this university are
- State, Federal & Institutional Grants: Grants don't need to be repaid and are either funded by the federal or state government or by Carnegie Mellon
- Endowed Scholarships: Students who receive a Carnegie Mellon Undergraduate Grant may be eligible to receive a named endowed scholarship
- Outside Scholarships: Third party organizations, like ROTC or nonprofits, may also offer scholarships
Types of student loans
- Federal Direct Student Loans: A student may qualify for a need-based subsidized loan, but all students can borrow a maximum of $5,500 for their first year.
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans: The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is a financing option for parents of undergraduate students
- Private Loans: Private lenders provide supplementary funding for students.
Carnegie Mellon University Notable Alumni
Carnegie Mellon University has 109,900 alumni spread across more than 140 countries. Some of the Carnegie Mellon University notable alumni include the following
- John L. Hall: Nobel Prize in Physics
- Finn E. Kydland: Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences
- Dale Thomas Mortensen: Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences
- John Forbes Nash: Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences, the subject of A Beautiful Mind
- Edward C. Prescott: Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences
- Clifford Shull: Nobel Prize in Physics
- Oliver E. Williamson: Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences
- Raoul Bott: Wolf Prize in Mathematics
Carnegie Mellon University Job Outcomes
Carnegie Mellon University graduates get high paying jobs in USA after completing Carnegie Mellon University degrees. Average annual salary of jobs attained by CMU are given below
| Jobs | Average Annual Salary |
| Software Engineer | USD 120,027 (INR 99,77,785) |
| Senior Software Engineer | USD 143,001 (INR 1,18,87,602) |
| Data Scientist | USD 117,686 (INR 97,83,178) |
| Mechanical Engineer | USD 88,983 (INR 73,97,112) |
| UX Designer | USD 82,103 (INR 68,25,181) |
| Product Designer | USD 111,164 (INR 92,41,007) |
Note: USD 1= INR 83.13 as on January 30, 2024
Carnegie Mellon University Vs Stanford University Vs Georgia Institute of University Vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology
A quick comparison of Carnegie Mellon University with Stanford University and other universities are given below. Many international students look for these universities while looking for Carnegie Mellon University.
| Parameters | Carnegie Mellon University | Stanford University | Georgia Institute of University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Ranking (QS) | #52 | #5 | #97 | #1 |
| Acceptance rate | 11% | 4% | 17% | 4% |
| Tuition fees | USD 62,260 | USD 56,169 (INR 46,79,018.12) | USD 31,370 (INR 26,08,876) to USD 40,752 (INR 33,89,127) | USD 59,750 (INR 49,69,090) |
| ELP scores | IELTS: 7.5 TOEFL: 102 DET: 135 |
TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 90 |
TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7.5 PTE: 70 DET score: 125 |
| Average annual salary | USD 108,000 (INR 89,77,446) | USD 116,000 (INR 96,43,022) | USD 94,000 (INR 78,17,481) | USD 1,18,000 (INR 98,13,434) |
| Top recruiters | Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, Oracle and others | Aecom Corporation, Nvidia, Apple etc. | Kimberly Clark Microsoft, Nike, UPS | Google, Amazon, EY, Paypal, Deloitte |
Note: USD 1= INR 83.13 as on January 30, 2024
Does Carnegie Mellon University give scholarships to international students? Yes, Carnegie Mellon University gives scholarships to international students. Carnegie Mellon University graduate application deadline is August 31.
FAQs
Ques: What is Carnegie Mellon University known for?
Ans: Carnegie Mellon is renowned for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts, consistently ranking among the top institutions globally in these fields.
Ques: How competitive is admission to Carnegie Mellon?
Ans: Admission to Carnegie Mellon is highly competitive, with a low acceptance rate. Strong academic performance and a compelling application are crucial for prospective students.
Ques: What are the key research areas at Carnegie Mellon?
Ans: The university excels in research areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, behavioral economics, and sustainable energy.
Ques: Can students easily switch between different colleges within Carnegie Mellon?
Ans: Carnegie Mellon encourages interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to explore various colleges and departments easily if their academic interests evolve.
Ques: Are there notable alumni from Carnegie Mellon?
Ans: Yes, the university boasts a prestigious list of alumni, including Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and influential figures in business, entertainment, and technology.
Ques: What is the campus culture like at Carnegie Mellon?
Ans: The campus culture is known for its innovation, collaboration, and a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and creativity in various disciplines.
Ques: How is Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science ranked globally?
Ans: The School of Computer Science consistently ranks among the top in the world, known for pioneering work in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics.
Ques: Are there opportunities for internships and co-op programs?
Ans: Carnegie Mellon has strong ties with industry partners, providing students with ample opportunities for internships and cooperative education experiences to enhance their practical skills.
Ques: What is the Carnegie Mellon Tartan mascot?
Ans: The official mascot is Scotty the Scottish Terrier, representing the university's Scottish heritage.
Ques: Is Carnegie Mellon a private or public university?
Ans: Carnegie Mellon is a private research university, known for its focus on innovation and a commitment to advancing knowledge across various disciplines.
Ques: What is the average class size at Carnegie Mellon?
Ans: The university emphasizes small class sizes to facilitate more personalized interactions between students and faculty, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Ques: Does Carnegie Mellon offer financial aid to students?
Ans: Yes, Carnegie Mellon provides financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, to support students in their academic pursuits.
Ques: Are there opportunities for involvement in extracurricular activities?
Ans: Carnegie Mellon offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs, organizations, and cultural events, allowing students to engage beyond the classroom.
Ques: How is the diversity on campus at Carnegie Mellon?
Ans: The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, with students from various backgrounds and cultures contributing to a rich learning environment.
Ques: What is Carnegie Mellon's approach to sustainability?
Ans: The university is dedicated to sustainability initiatives, including energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and research focused on environmental conservation.
Ques: Can students collaborate with faculty on research projects?
Ans: Yes, students have ample opportunities to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience in their respective fields.
Ques: What is Carnegie Mellon's global presence in education and research?
Ans: Carnegie Mellon has a strong global presence, with collaborations and partnerships with institutions and industries worldwide, fostering a global perspective in education and research.
Ques: How does Carnegie Mellon support entrepreneurship and innovation?
Ans: The university provides resources, mentorship, and programs to support students interested in entrepreneurship, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.
Ques: Are there on-campus housing options for students?
Ans: Yes, Carnegie Mellon offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments, providing students with a convenient and vibrant living experience.
Ques: How does Carnegie Mellon contribute to the local community?
Ans: The university is actively involved in community outreach and service projects, with students and faculty engaging in initiatives to make a positive impact on the local Pittsburgh community.


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