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Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate 2024

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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 20 Jun '24, by Anushree Sinha (Study Abroad Expert)

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One of the most prestigious universities in the world, Carnegie Mellon University is a private global research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. CMU University Pittsburgh is one of the best study abroad universities for international students as the Carnegie Mellon University ranking has been consistent among the top 100 global universities for more than a decade now. 

Students across the globe apply for Carnegie Mellon University admissions. However, only a fraction of candidates secure an enrolment due to the competitive nature of the university. 

Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate 2024

In Fall 2023, CMU University Pittsburgh received over 33,000 applications from prospective undergraduates and graduates. Out of these, only about 3,800 candidates secured an admission offer from the university. Hence, it can be concluded that with the Carnegie Mellon University acceptance rate of 11.4%, the university is extremely selective to get into. 

Particulars 

Headcount/Percentage 

Applicants 

33,707

Admitted Students 

3,843

Students Enrolled 

1,708

Acceptance Rate 

11.4% 

Yield Rate 

44.4% 

Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate for International Students 2024

As of Fall 2023, the total student enrollment of the Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh USA stands at 16,335. Out of these, the undergraduate student count is 7,604 and the graduate student count is 8,542. The Carnegie Mellon University international students are 7,322 in number and they come from 117 countries around the globe. 

Particulars Statistics
Total Enrollment 16,335
Undergraduate Students 7,604
Graduate Students 8,542
International Students 7,332
International Undergraduate Students 1,767
International Graduate Students 5,504
Nationalities Represented 117

When it comes to the ethnic breakdown, a vast number of students of the university are International, Asian, White, Hispanic, Black, and more.

Ethnicity/Race Headcount of Students

International

7,332

Asian

3,276

White

2,871

Hispanic

1,023

Two or more races

520

Black

479

Native American

10

Pacific Islander

5

Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate Trends

Lately, the acceptance rate of CMU Pittsburgh has plummeted in comparison to the previous years. In Fall 2023, the Carnegie University Pittsburgh acceptance rate stood at 37.1%. Whereas, in Fall 2020, it was recorded to be at 48.3%.

Also, the number of students applying to CMU Pittsburgh has significantly increased in the past few years. In Fall 2023, the university received a total of 43,416 applications, out of which 16,148 students managed to secure an admission in the university. When we talk about the Fall 2020 statistics, a total of 28,024 candidates applied to the university and 13,549 out of them were granted an admission.

Academic Year Number of Applications Received Number of Students Accepted Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate
Fall 2023 43,416 16,148 37.1%
Fall 2022 39,354 16,730 42.5%
Fall 2021 39,090 15,689 40.1%
Fall 2020 28,024 13,549 48.3%
Fall 2019 29,065 13,261 45.6%

Carnegie Mellon University Admission Requirements for International Students

In order to secure an admission, all the international students must fulfill the CMU University entry requirements listed below:

Undergraduate Requirements

Graduate Requirements

- Official high school transcripts (English translation);

- Secondary school counsellor evaluation;

- Proof of English language proficiency;

SAT/ACT scores;

- Common application essay; and

- Common application writing supplement.

- Official college/university transcripts (English translation);

- Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale);

- Three letters of recommendation (LOR);

Statement of purpose (SOP);

- Proof of English language proficiency;

Resume/CV;

GMAT/GRE score; and

- Other course-specific requirements.

Carnegie Mellon University Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores

In order to secure an enrollment in Pittsburgh University Carnegie Mellon, students can appear for one of the standardized tests (SAT/ACT). However, it is not mandatory as the university is test optional. Listed below is the average scores obtained by the students admitted in Fall 2023:

Entrance Exams

Average Score Requirements

SAT

1500 - 1560

ACT

34 - 35

GPA

3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Tips to Get Selected in the Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh USA is one of the best universities to get into and thus, students must submit exceptional academic grades as well as excel in co-curricular activities.

Fulfilling the required Grade Point Average is one of the major entry requirement at the university and international students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in order to boost their chances of getting admitted in the university. Apart from fulfilling the academic qualifications, some of the best practices that students can follow include acquiring strong letters of recommendations, submission of high English language proficiency scores and standardized test scores.

Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate Vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate

Massachusetts Institute of Technology acceptance rate stands at 4.8%, which makes it an extremely competitive university to get into. In comparison with the Carnegie University Pittsburgh acceptance rate of 11%, MIT can be considered much more selective in their admission criteria.

As listed, getting into MIT University is selective. Hence, students must excel in academics in order to boost their chances. Apart from this, students who are outstanding in activities outside class also stand a good chance to secure an admission.

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Carnegie Mellon University 
FAQs

Q:   How do I get into CMU?

A: 

It can be difficult to get into Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances. Prioritize getting top grades and scores on standardized tests. Additionally, CMU seeks out individuals who have taken difficult curriculum, exhibited a passion for their planned field of study, and shown leadership and extracurricular participation. Your application might also be substantially improved by composing an engaging application essay and securing solid letters of recommendation. It's crucial to adhere to all application deadlines and carefully examine the recommendations and particular requirements of the programme you want to pursue at CMU.

Q:   What is the Carnegie Mellon University acceptance rate?

A: 

Usually, the Carnegie Mellon University acceptance rate is calculated to be around 11%. In Fall 2023, CMU University Pittsburgh received over 33,000 applications from prospective undergraduates and graduates. Out of these, only about 3,800 candidates secured an admission offer from the university. Hence, it can be concluded that with the Carnegie Mellon University acceptance rate of 11.4%, the university is slightly selective to get into. 

Particulars 

Headcount/Percentage 

Applicants 

33,707

Admitted Students 

3,843

Students Enrolled 

1,708

Acceptance Rate 

11.4% 

Yield Rate 

44.4% 

Q:   Is Carnegie Mellon as good as Ivy League?

A: 

Carnegie Mellon University is not an Ivy League school. However, the university has seven colleges and schools that offer top-ranked programs to international students. Below colleges and schools offer programs in Engineering, Arts, Social Science, Computer Science, Business, Information System, and Science.

  • College of Engineering

  • College of Fine Arts

  • Dietrich College of Humanities & Social Sciences

  • Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy

  • Mellon College of Science

  • School of Computer Science

  • Tepper School of Business

Students can also check, the Ivy League Universities

Q:   Is it hard to get into Carnegie Mellon University?

A: 

Yes, Carnegie Mellon University is a very competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at merely 11%. This figure tells us that only 11 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the university, which is less than half of all the applicants. However, students must not get discouraged and fulfill all the CMU University Pittsburgh admission requirements, i.e.; academic qualifications, standardized test scores, English language requirements, as well as relevant documents, to boost their chances of securing an admission in the university. Also, students must apply to the university within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.

Q:   What is the acceptance rate for Carnegie Mellon University for Indian students?

A: 

The Carnegie Mellon acceptance rate for Indian students is around 11% which makes admission highly selective at CMU. That means, for every 100 students,  only 11 are admitted to the university. International students are required to meet the minimum GPA and SAT/ ACT is important to get into the university. It is not guaranteed to get admission to the university after meeting the minimum GPA and SAT/ ACT scores. Students can visit the Carnegie Mellon course page to more about the specific requirements according to the program.

Q:   Is Carnegie Mellon a top university?

A: 

Yes, the Carnegie Mellon University is worldwide a widely-renowned university, which offers world-class programs for their international students. As per the Shiksha grading, Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh has obtained an overall ranking of A+. Mentioned below are some of the reasons that make the CMU University Pittsburgh a top university:

ParticularsDetails

Overall University Ranking - Shiksha Rankings 2024

A+
AcademicsProvides more than 150 courses in leading fields of study
CampusHas state-of-the-art facilities, vast number of clubs and organizations, exceptional sports and recreational facilities, and more
DiversityIs home to more than 14,500 students from 100 countries around the globe
Placements

Post-graduation from the Business School, the average starting salary for the graduates stands at USD 156,291 (INR 1.3 Cr)

Q:   How can I go to Carnegie Mellon from India?

A: 

To get into Carnegie Mellon from India, students are required to meet below criteria:

  • GPA – Should have an average GPA of minimum 3.2 out of 4

  • SAT/ ACT – An average SAT score of 1460–1560 and 31-34 in the ACT

  • GRE – An average of 315 in total

Q:   What are some tips to get selected in the Carnegie University Pittsburgh?

A: 

Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh USA is one of the best universities to get into and thus, students must submit exceptional academic grades as well as excel in co-curricular activities. Fulfilling the required Grade Point Average is one of the major entry requirement at the university and international students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in order to boost their chances of getting admitted in the university. Apart from fulfilling the academic qualifications, some of the best practices that students can follow include acquiring strong letters of recommendations, submission of high English language proficiency scores and standardized test scores.

Q:   What GPA do you need to get into Carnegie Mellon?

A: 

Indian applicants applying to the Carnegie Mellon are required to meet the academic as well as English language requirements. The CMU entry requirements are given below:

admitted to Carnegie Mellon University must have the mentioned scores:

SAT score of 1490 - 1570 

ACT score of 34 - 35*. 

GPA minimum 3.00

Q:   How many international students study in Carnegie Mellon University?

A: 

As of Fall 2023,  the total student enrollment of the Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh USA stands at 16,335. Out of these, the undergraduate student count is 7,604 and the graduate student count is 8,542. The Carnegie Mellon University international students are 7,322 in number and they come from 117 countries around the globe. 

ParticularsStatistics
Total Enrollment16,335
Undergraduate Students7,604
Graduate Students8,542
International Students7,332
International Undergraduate Students1,767
International Graduate Students5,504
Nationalities Represented117

When it comes to the ethnic breakdown, a vast number of students of the university are International, Asian,  White,  Hispanic, Black,  and more.

Ethnicity/RaceHeadcount of Students

International

7,332

Asian

3,276

White

2,871

Hispanic

1,023

Two or more races

520

Black

479

Native American

10

Pacific Islander

5

Q:   Is Carnegie Mellon difficult to get into?

A: 

Only 11 out of every 100 applications are accepted. This indicates how selective the school is. It's crucial to meet their GPA and SAT/ACT requirements to pass their initial screening process and demonstrate your academic readiness.  You need an average GPA of 3.00 and fulfill all the requirements for admission. Carnegie Mellon University is one of the top universities in the world. CMU offers a variety of top-rated academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Q:   How do I get into Carnegie Mellon University from India?

A: 

In order to secure an admission, all the international students must fulfill the Carnegie Mellon University admission requirements listed below:

Undergraduate Requirements:

  • Official high school transcripts  (English translation);
  • Secondary school counsellor evaluation;
  • Proof of English language proficiency;
  • SAT/ACT scores;
  • Common application essay; and
  • Common application writing supplement.

Graduate Requirements:

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Anushree Sinha

Study Abroad Expert

Anushree is a Graduate in Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and takes keen interest in content creation. She has affinity for writing and travelling around the world takes the top spot on her bucket list. Bringing out the creativ...Read Full Bio

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University CityPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Carnegie Mellon University
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5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
Pittsburgh ( Pennsylvania)

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