Carnegie Mellon University Acceptance Rate & Admissions Data (2025-2026)

Every figure on this page comes from the school’s own Common Data Set (2025-2026 edition) and was independently verified against official sources.

#20

2026 US News Best National Universities

11.1%

acceptance rate

34,867

applicants

3,859

admitted

20.6%

Early Decision rate (1.9x the overall rate)

Carnegie Mellon University Common Data Set: What It Values Most

Every college officially reports how much each application factor matters in section C7 of its Common Data Set. These are Carnegie Mellon University’s own published ratings from the 2025-2026 edition, not our opinion.

6 factors rated very important4 rated importantTest optional

Academic factors

Rigor of coursework

Very important

Class rank

Very important

Academic GPA

Very important

Standardized test scores

Considered

Application essay

Important

Recommendations

Important

Nonacademic factors

Interview

Not considered

Extracurricular activities

Very important

Talent / ability

Important

Character / personal qualities

Very important

First generation

Important

Alumni relation

Not considered

Geographical residence

Considered

State residency

Not considered

Religious affiliation

Not considered

Racial / ethnic status

Not reported

Volunteer work

Very important

Work experience

Considered

Level of applicant interest

Not considered

Very importantImportantConsideredNot considered

Writing the Carnegie Mellon University supplement? See every current Carnegie Mellon University essay prompt, with strategies.

Testing policy

Test optional: scores are considered if submitted but not required.

Studying Business at Carnegie Mellon University

Undergraduates study business at CMU's Tepper School of Business, applying directly for the BS in Business Administration (with tracks like finance, marketing, and business analytics), or pursue economics through the joint Tepper-Dietrich program.

Building a profile for Carnegie Mellon University?

Carnegie Mellon University rates extracurriculars very important in its own filing. Real internship experience is exactly that kind of signal.

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Sources

Data reflects the 2025-2026Common Data Set, the most recent verified edition at the time of publication. Always confirm current requirements on the school’s admissions site.