What is Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate?

Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate is 11%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for CMU?

Admitted students typically score about 1480–1570 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 34–36 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.

Is CMU test-optional?

Carnegie Mellon University's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate & How to Get In (11%)

11%

Acceptance rate

1480–1570

SAT (mid 50%)

34–36

ACT (mid 50%)

Test-optional

Testing

How hard is it to get into CMU?

With a 11% acceptance rate, Carnegie Mellon University is highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant. It enrolls roughly 7,400 undergraduates (urban setting) in Pittsburgh, PA. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.

What it takes to get in

SAT: admitted students land around 1480–1570 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
ACT: the middle 50% is about 34–36.
GPA: admitted students average around 3.92. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
Essays: at CMU's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $63,800 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

Computer Science · Engineering · Drama · Business · Robotics

See CMU’s supplemental essay guide

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CMU admissions FAQ

What is Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate?: Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate is 11%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for CMU?: Admitted students typically score about 1480–1570 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 34–36 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is CMU test-optional?: Carnegie Mellon University's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

CMU official website
CMU on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on Carnegie Mellon University’s official admissions site.