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Colleges / PA / Pittsburgh
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Carnegie Mellon University

Private nonprofit Pittsburgh, PA · Urban · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
93%
Graduation Rate
$114,862
Earnings (10yr)
$31,944
Net Price
12%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Carnegie Mellon University is a great fit for students who are ready to dive into rigorous academic programs. This school attracts those passionate about fields like Engineering, Computer Science, and Business. The blend of technical and creative disciplines, including Visual and Performing Arts, creates a unique environment where students can thrive while exploring their varied interests.

Life after graduation at Carnegie Mellon looks promising. Graduates can expect to earn an impressive average of $114,862 within ten years of completing their degrees. This strong earning potential is crucial for students weighing their options, as it reflects the value of the education they receive here. With a graduation rate of 93%, it’s clear that students are not only getting in but are also navigating their studies successfully.

When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid is around $31,944, which can feel daunting but is manageable compared to potential earnings. The median debt for graduates stands at $21,750, suggesting that many students are able to graduate with a reasonable level of debt. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are dedicated, ambitious, and ready to engage deeply with their chosen fields.

Rankings

How Carnegie Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation93%Earnings 10yr$115KNet Price$32KRetention98%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate16%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$9K$0-30K$7K$30-48K$14K$48-75K$51K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%411.1%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%5320.4%MOBILITY218.74%

Cost & Financial Aid

$66,246
In-State Tuition
$66,246
Out-of-State
$31,944
Avg Net Price
$21,750
Median Debt
16%
Pell Grant Rate
34%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$9,097
Family Income $0–$30K
$6,994
Family Income $30K–$48K
$14,468
Family Income $48K–$75K
$51,480
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$105,360
6 Years After Entry
$105,524
8 Years
$114,862
10 Years
0.19x
Debt-to-Earnings
85%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$105,360 6yr $105,524 8yr $114,862 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

218.74%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
5320.4%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
411.1%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$134,400
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.83
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.1%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#20
World Rank
70.3
Teaching
79.3
Research
95.7
Citations
39.1
International

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

7.525%
Inventor Rate
837
Total Patents
1,126
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 12%
Retention Rate 98%
SAT Average 1546
ACT Midpoint 34
SAT Range 1500–1570
ACT Range 34–35
Full-Time Faculty 92%
Faculty Salary (mo) $13,972
Diversity Index 0.78
First-Gen Students 10%

Top Programs

Engineering 23%
Computer Science & IT 17%
Mathematics & Statistics 12%
Business & Marketing 10%
Visual & Performing Arts 8%
Physical Sciences 5%
Social Sciences 4%
Biology & Biomedical 3%