Carnegie Mellon University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At CMU, test-optional does not mean scores are irrelevant: 53% of applicants submit SAT scores, and the middle range is 1510 to 1560. If you submit scores, aim for the mid-1500s SAT or a 34 to 35 ACT to stay aligned with admitted students.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Carnegie Mellon University facts and stats
Carnegie Mellon University enrolls 7,824 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. CMU has a 98% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 94% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 6.3:1.
Pittsburgh, PA
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Key Carnegie Mellon University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional CMU, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year so summer and fall are available for superscore-focused retakes. For the November 1 Early Decision deadline, aim to make the October SAT or September ACT your last retake so scores can arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
CMU is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $65,636, and 33% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $12,949, giving eligible students another way to reduce costs.
CMU’s estimated cost of attendance is $83,802, including $65,636 in tuition and fees and $18,166 for room and board. About 33% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $56,005. Merit aid averages $12,949, and listed scholarship GPA thresholds range from 2.0 to 3.0, with some awards starting at a 2.5 GPA. Graduates leave with an average debt of $31,298.
Student life at Carnegie Mellon University
52% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 7% of men join fraternities, and 7% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn, PAAcceptance rate: 82.9%
Albright College
Reading, PAAcceptance rate: 76.3%
Allegheny College
Meadville, PAAcceptance rate: 54.5%
SAT: 1165–1355
ACT: 24–30
DeSales University
Center Valley, PAAcceptance rate: 77.1%
SAT: 1100–1240
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