Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is best known for its top-ranked science and engineering programs, but prospective students shouldn't underestimate the school's strengths in the arts and sciences as well. CMU is a highly-selective, mid-sized university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The university has a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, and it is a member of the American Association of Universities.

Admissions Data (2010):

• Percent of Applicants Admitted: 33%
• What Are Your Chances? (from Cappex.com)
• Carnegie Mellon GPA and Test Score Graph
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 620 / 720
  • SAT Math: 680 / 780
  • SAT Writing: 630 / 730
    • What these SAT numbers mean
    • Top engineering SAT comparison
    • Top university SAT score comparison
  • ACT Composite: 29 / 33
  • ACT English: 28 / 34
  • ACT Math: 28 / 34
    • What these ACT numbers mean
    • Top university ACT score comparison

Enrollment (2009):

• Total Enrollment: 11,197 (5,777 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 59% Male / 41% Female
• 97% Full-time

Costs (2010 - 11):

• Tuition and Fees: $42,136
• Books: $1,000 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $10,750
• Other Expenses: $1,400
• Total Cost: $55,286

Carnegie Mellon Financial Aid (2008 - 09):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 66%
• Carnegie Mellon University Scholarships (Cappex.com)
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 56%
  • Loans: 40%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $22,404
  • Loans: $4,494

Most Popular Majors:

Biology, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Finance, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Science, Theatre

Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 95%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 67%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 84%

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

Carnegie Mellon and the Common Application

Carnegie Mellon University uses the Common Application. These articles can help guide you:

• Common Application essay tips and samples
• Short answer tips and samples
• Supplemental essay tips and samples

Carnegie Mellon Mission Statement:

To act as a campus crossroads that promotes learning, social interaction and recreation. To contribute to the campus quality of life by offering facilities, programs, and activities of interest and value to the Carnegie Mellon community. In support of this mission:

• The University Center is a community center, a place to go and interact with colleagues and make new acquaintances. As a community center it meets the recreational, social, retail and food service needs of the campus.
• The University Center provides facilities for teaching and learning that may be used by the members of the campus community or external organizations whose primary purpose is education.
• The University Center is an important front door to the community, providing opportunities for the university community to interact with friends and neighbors in ways that are of mutual benefit.