Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States • Founded 1900 • World Rank #112
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1900, the Carnegie Mellon University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Pittsburgh (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania.
This institution also has a branch campus in Silicon Valley and Doha. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 124-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. CMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Carnegie Mellon University's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.
Academic Details
These figures give a quick read on Carnegie Mellon University's scale, staffing levels, and academic standing. Use them to ground decisions about programme fit and institutional capacity.
Academic Structures
The institutional units housing Carnegie Mellon University's programmes. Subject overlap across faculties is normal — interdisciplinary fields like data science or environmental studies often span multiple units.
Unit 7 items
- Carnegie Institute of Technology
- College of Fine Arts
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- H. John Heinz III College
- Mellon College of Science
- School of Computer Science
- Tepper School of Business
Programs Offered
The programmes you can apply for at Carnegie Mellon University are grouped by degree level. Programme-level accreditation (separate from institutional) matters for regulated professions like law, medicine, and engineering.
221 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 91 programmes
Showing 10 of 91.
Master's Degree 71 programmes
Showing 10 of 71.
Doctorate 52 programmes
Showing 10 of 52.
Postgraduate Certificate 7 programmes
How to apply to Carnegie Mellon University
How to apply to Carnegie Mellon University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Carnegie Mellon University's catalogue includes 221 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Carnegie Mellon University's admissions process.
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3
Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through Carnegie Mellon University's official website at www.cmu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (412) 268 2000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carnegie Mellon University
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Carnegie Mellon University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
How old is Carnegie Mellon University?
The institution opened in 1900 (approximately 126 years ago).
In which city is Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University is based in Pittsburgh, United States.
Is Carnegie Mellon University public or private?
Carnegie Mellon University is a private institution.
How many students study at Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University has approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
How is Carnegie Mellon University ranked?
It ranks #112 globally and #31 in United States.
How many faculties does Carnegie Mellon University have?
Carnegie Mellon University is organised into 7 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Carnegie Mellon University?
Carnegie Mellon University is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Where can I learn more about Carnegie Mellon University?
You can find Carnegie Mellon University online at www.cmu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Ranking methodologies vary across the United States — national rankings, subject-specific rankings, and international tables can each tell different stories about the same universities.
Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)
Network-level rankings exist for some Association of American Universities (AAU) groupings (e.g., U21, Universitas 21). These differ from country rankings and reflect coordinated members' shared performance.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cost of living varies meaningfully across cities and towns hosting the universities below. Even within a single region, accommodation and transit costs can differ by 30–50%.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Foreign-language teaching requirements for General Engineering programmes vary across the United States. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.
Universities Compared with Carnegie Mellon University
When students choose Carnegie Mellon University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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