Carnegie Mellon University Tuition and Fees

By Kevin Brouillard

Carnegie Mellon University, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a prestigious private research university that was founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie. It has consistently ranked among the top universities globally, particularly in fields like computer science, robotics, AI, and engineering. Carnegie Mellon offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its seven colleges and schools.

Keep reading to learn more on Carnegie Mellon University tuition costs, housing expenses, top majors, and more.

Total Cost of Attendance

For the 2024-25 academic year, the total cost of attendance at Carnegie Mellon was $86,812. Below is a summary of the costs, including tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other education-related expenses.

Financial Aid

At Carnegie Mellon University, 58% of undergraduates students enrolled full-time received financial aid for the 2022-23 academic year. The most common form of financial aid was grants or scholarships, with 49% of undergraduates receiving such awards, totaling $47,550 on average.

Approximately 17% of Carnegie Mellon undergrads received federal Pell Grants, with an average grant of $5,934. Additionally, 35% of students received federal student loans to help pay for their education at Carnegie Mellon.

Explore financial aid options: Pennsylvania Student Loan & Scholarship Information

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, or nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than those on private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities at sources such as:

•  U.S. Department of Education – Learn more about the grants that are bestowed by the federal government

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  Scholarship Search Tool

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

In 2022-23, 3% of full-time undergraduate students at Carnegie Mellon took out private student loans to help cover educational costs, with an average loan amount of $34,884.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations, so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school. Federal student loans don’t have to be paid back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, because it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Based on the 2024-25 tuition and costs, a four-year degree at Carnegie Mellon would amount to $347,248, without accounting for any annual cost increases. This is notably higher than the national average cost for four years at a private university, which is $241,680, according to CollegeData.com.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Carnegie Mellon tuition and fees for undergraduate students totaled $66,246 in the 2024-25 academic year. In comparison, the average cost of tuition and fees at private colleges is $41,540.

Room and board expenses for Carnegie Mellon undergrads amounted to $18,166 for students living on campus. This is higher than the national average of $14,650 for room and board at private colleges.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Graduate students at Carnegie Mellon paid $49,999 for tuition on average for the 2024-25 academic year. Grad students were also required to pay $976 in fees related to student activities, technology, and transportation.

The total cost for graduate school at Carnegie Mellon is higher than the national average of $36,760.

Students might consider graduate loans alongside scholarships, grants, and teaching assistantships to pay for their graduate degree.

Cost per Credit Hour

Carnegie Mellon University does not follow a traditional credit hour system. Rather, undergrads must be enrolled in a minimum of 36 units per semester to be considered full-time students. For students enrolled in fewer than 36 units in the 2024-25 academic year, Carnegie Mellon charged $898 per unit.

Campus Housing Expenses

Carnegie Mellon is home to 26 residence halls and apartments, with 65% of undergraduate students living on campus for all four years of study. Incoming freshmen and certain transfer students are required to live on campus.

Students could pay less for housing by living off campus, depending on the type of housing and number of roommates they live with. The average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh is around $1,907 a month, according to Apartments.com. Living off campus may require additional transportation costs, though students can utilize public transportation and the university’s shuttle services. Carnegie Mellon maintains a university-affiliated marketplace to help undergrad and graduate students to find off-campus housing.

Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate

Carnegie Mellon University had an acceptance rate of 11% for the Fall 2023 semester. Of those admitted, 44% ultimately enrolled.

Admission Requirements

Students may apply for early decision or regular decision at Carnegie Mellon. First-year students must submit their application by November 3 of the previous year for early decision. Regular decision applications are due on December 1 of the previous year for the Schools of Drama and Music, or January 5 of the same year for all other programs.

Here are the required materials for applying, plus what else can be considered with an application:

Required:

•  Common application

•  Common application essay and writing supplements

•  High school transcripts

•  Secondary school counselor evaluation

•  Teacher recommendation

•  English proficiency test

•  SAT/ACT test scores (depending on program)

Considered:

•  SAT/ACT scores (depending on program)

•  Work experience

SAT and ACT Scores

Standardized test score requirements vary by program at Carnegie Mellon. The School of Computer Science requires an SAT or an ACT score, whereas other programs have a test flexible policy that allows applicants to self-report scores from a wider range of standardized tests.

For the 2023-24 academic year, 51% and 17% of students submitted their SAT and ACT scores, respectively. Here’s a breakdown of the 25th and 75th percentile numbers by subject.

Popular Majors at Carnegie Mellon University

Undergraduate students can pursue 80 majors and over 90 minors across six schools at Carnegie Mellon. These are the 10 most popular degree programs.

1. Engineering

Students who are accepted to the School of Engineering may choose to major in a specific discipline, such as chemical engineering or mechanical engineering. During the spring semester of freshman year, students may select an additional major from the department.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 332

2. Computer Science

One of several majors in the School of Computer Science, this program develops students’ analytical and technical skills. Many students have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research projects within CMU, whether as part-time work or an independent study.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 216

3. Business Administration and Management

The Tepper School of Business equips students with communication and analytical skills to become future entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Business majors can choose from several concentrations, such as accounting, finance, and strategic management.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 138

4. Statistics

This program brings together statistical theory and data analytics and includes hands-on experience and classroom learning to prepare students for a variety of careers.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 109

5. Information Systems

This is a joint degree program between the Heinz College and Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The highly technical program provides students with multiple pathways for advanced study and research with leading researchers in the field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 108

6. Drama and Theater Arts

Students who pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Drama at Carnegie Mellon receive in-depth training for a creative career, either on stage or behind the scenes. This program allows students to concentrate in acting/music theater, design, dramaturgy, and production technology and management.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 64

7. Design and Visual Communications

Students interested in design and visual communications can pursue several interdisciplinary tracks within Carnegie Mellon’s School of Fine Arts. This includes product design, communication design, and environmental design.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 42

8. Economics

Economics majors gain the knowledge and experience needed to understand how the economy works and apply theory and analytical skills to tackle complex questions. This program prepares students for a range of public and private sector careers, as well as graduate studies.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 38

9. Architecture

This major within the School of Architecture is a five-year degree program that is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, putting students on the path to a career as a licensed architect. During their studies, students have the opportunity to collaborate with artists, scientists, and scholars across a variety of disciplines.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 33

10. Artificial Intelligence

This cutting-edge program was founded in 2018 as the nation’s first bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence. Students take coursework from several disciplines, including mathematics, machine learning, and robotics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 32

Graduation Rate

Here are the graduation rates for students who began their undergraduate studies in Fall 2017:

•  4-year: 79%

•  6-year: 93%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Graduates of Carnegie Mellon earn a median salary of $115,000. This is significantly higher than the national median for college graduates of $80,236.