Carnegie Mellon University: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 11% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1550 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 35 |
| Location | PA |
| School type | Private |
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It accepts about 11% of applicants overall, though some of its most competitive programs admit far fewer. CMU is known for strong programs in computer science, engineering, fine arts, and business, and the applicant pool reflects that reputation.
Calculate your chances at Carnegie Mellon University free →How hard is it to get into Carnegie Mellon University?
An 11% overall acceptance rate makes CMU one of the more selective universities in the country. The school's reputation in technology and computer science draws enormous numbers of highly qualified applicants to those programs, which pushes the acceptance rate down significantly in some colleges. If you are applying to computer science or electrical engineering, expect the competition to be especially intense.
CMU evaluates students by the college and program they apply to, not just the university as a whole. That means your intended major matters a lot, both for your odds and for how the admissions office reads your application.
Test scores that make you competitive
The SAT 75th percentile for admitted students at CMU is 1550 and the ACT 75th percentile is 35. Those are among the highest numbers in this group, which reflects how strong the admitted class is academically. CMU is test-optional, so you are not required to submit scores, but for programs where quantitative ability is central, submitting strong scores can reinforce the rest of your application.
What Carnegie Mellon University looks for
CMU looks for students who are excellent academically and who have a genuine, demonstrated interest in their intended field of study. A student applying to the School of Computer Science who has built projects, competed in programming contests, or done independent work in the area has a much more compelling application than one who simply lists it as an interest.
Regardless of the program, strong performance in the most challenging courses available is expected. Recommendations from teachers in relevant subjects carry weight. And your essays should say something specific about why CMU fits your goals, not just why you want to attend a strong university.
Estimate your chances at Carnegie Mellon University
You can get a free estimate of your chances at CMU using the CollegeCalcAI calculator at collegecalcai.com. Enter your GPA, test scores, and activities and the tool will give you a personalized picture of where your application stands. It is a useful first step before you put in the hours on your essays.
Frequently asked questions
What is Carnegie Mellon University's acceptance rate?
Carnegie Mellon University's overall acceptance rate is approximately 11%. Acceptance rates vary by program, and some of the most competitive programs admit a much smaller share.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for Carnegie Mellon University?
The SAT 75th percentile for admitted students is 1550 and the ACT 75th percentile is 35. CMU is test-optional, but strong scores can be especially helpful for quantitative programs.
Is Carnegie Mellon University hard to get into?
Yes, CMU is hard to get into. An 11% acceptance rate, combined with a very strong applicant pool drawn by CMU's reputation, makes admission genuinely competitive across all programs.
See your real odds at Carnegie Mellon University
Use the free calculator →Compare similar schools
Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.