UNIVERSITY · CDS 2025-2026
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA 7,620 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Top 25CS + Arts
Accept
11.0%
Yield
47.0%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1500–1570
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
730–770
SAT Math (mid 50%)
770–800
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
34–36
GPA (avg, admitted)
3.89
GPA NOTEAverage high school GPA of 3.89; 82.5% of enrolled in top 10% of HS class.
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED | Nov 1 | 20.6% | ED: Nov 1, ~20.6% accept |
| RD | Jan 1 | — | RD: Jan 1 |
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$64,596
Total COA
$92,194
Avg need-based aid
$57,941
Avg merit award
$14,422
Net price after avg need aid
$34,253
CMU meets 100% of demonstrated need on average.
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
CMU's AP Policy
Carnegie Mellon University grants advanced placement and credit for scores of 4 or 5 on most AP exams. The amount of credit and course equivalency varies by exam and score.
Min score
4
Credit cap
0 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application essayVery Important
- Recommendation(s)Very Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
To create a transformative educational experience for students focused on deep disciplinary knowledge; problem-solving; leadership, communication and interpersonal skills; and personal health and well-being. To cultivate a transformative university community committed to (a) attracting and retaining diverse, world-class talent; (b) creating a collaborative environment open to the free exchange of ideas, where research, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish; and (c) ensuring individuals can achieve their full potential. To impact society in a transformative way — regionally, nationally and globally — by engaging with partners outside the traditional borders of the university campus.
Distilled Themes
Interdisciplinary innovationTransformative educational experienceGlobal impact through partnershipEntrepreneurial thinkingCommitment to diversity and inclusion
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01CMU is looking for students who are not just smart, but also creative and driven. They want to see that you've taken the initiative to explore your passions and that you're not afraid to tackle big, messy problems.
- 02They value students who can work across disciplines and who are excited about the intersection of technology and the arts.
- 03They want to see a genuine interest in their specific programs and how you will contribute to their unique community.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a deep and genuine passion for a specific academic area, and show how you've pursued it beyond the classroom.
- 02Showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills through independent projects or unique extracurriculars.
- 03Articulate a clear vision for how you'll leverage CMU's interdisciplinary culture to achieve your goals.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A generic application that doesn't show a specific interest in CMU's unique programs
- A lack of demonstrated passion or initiative in your chosen field of interest
- An application that highlights only academic achievements without showcasing creativity or problem-solving skills
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Computer ScienceArtificial IntelligenceEngineeringBusiness (Tepper)Fine ArtsDrama
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Binding. Not available for the School of Drama, School of Music, and some BXA programs.
Nov 3, 2025
→ Dec 15, 2025
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Decision release is no later than April 1.
Jan 5, 2026
→ Apr 1, 2026
Early Decision II
Not offered
—
Early Action
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
Not trackedWeight: Not Considered
Carnegie Mellon University does not track demonstrated interest; their official policy states it is not a factor in admissions.
Save the energy
Do not spend effort on interest signals—focus on essays and academics instead.
Provenance