The Ivy League is a prestigious group of eight private universities in the Northeastern United States. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is not a member of the Ivy League. However, CMU is widely considered to be on par with Ivy League schools in terms of academic rigor, research output, and student selectivity.

CMU consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, CMU is ranked 23rd overall and 11th among US universities. CMU is also ranked 25th overall and 10th among US universities by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
CMU is particularly well-known for its strength in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The university’s School of Computer Science is consistently ranked among the top computer science programs in the world. CMU is also home to the Robotics Institute, which is one of the leading research centers in robotics.
CMU is a highly selective university. In the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, CMU received over 49,000 applications and admitted only 13%. The average SAT score for admitted students was 1520, and the average ACT score was 34.
CMU considers a variety of factors in its admissions process, including academic achievement, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. CMU also places a strong emphasis on research experience.
CMU’s student body is diverse and international. The university has students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. CMU also has a large number of first-generation college students and students from underrepresented backgrounds.
CMU students are known for being bright, motivated, and ambitious. They are also actively involved in research and extracurricular activities. CMU students have a strong sense of community and are proud to be part of the CMU family.
CMU graduates are highly sought-after by employers. The university’s strong reputation in STEM fields means that CMU graduates are well-prepared for careers in technology, engineering, and other high-growth fields.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median salary for CMU graduates is $84,900. CMU graduates also have a high employment rate, with 94% of graduates employed within six months of graduation.
Carnegie Mellon is a great choice for students who are interested in pursuing a STEM field. The university’s strong academic programs, research opportunities, and career services will help you to succeed in your studies and career.
However, Carnegie Mellon is not the right choice for everyone. The university is highly selective, and the academic workload is rigorous. If you are not prepared to work hard and to challenge yourself, then CMU may not be the right fit for you.
Carnegie Mellon is not a member of the Ivy League, but it is widely considered to be on par with Ivy League schools in terms of academic rigor, research output, and student selectivity. CMU is a great choice for students who are interested in pursuing a STEM field and who are prepared to work hard and to challenge themselves.
Table 1: Carnegie Mellon’s Rankings
Ranking Organization | Overall Rank | US Rank |
---|---|---|
QS World University Rankings 2023 | 23 | 11 |
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 | 25 | 10 |
Table 2: Carnegie Mellon’s Admissions Statistics
Year | Applications Received | Admissions Rate | Average SAT Score | Average ACT Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
2022-2023 | 49,000 | 13% | 1520 | 34 |
Table 3: Carnegie Mellon’s Student Body
Characteristic | Percentage |
---|---|
International students | 25% |
First-generation college students | 15% |
Students from underrepresented backgrounds | 20% |
Table 4: Carnegie Mellon’s Career Outcomes
Statistic | Value |
---|---|
Median salary for graduates | $84,900 |
Employment rate within six months of graduation | 94% |
- Start early. The Carnegie Mellon admissions process is competitive, so it is important to start your application early.
- Get good grades. Carnegie Mellon places a strong emphasis on academic achievement. Make sure to get good grades in your high school classes, especially in math and science.
- Take challenging classes. Carnegie Mellon wants to see that you are prepared for the rigorous academic workload. Take challenging classes in high school, such as AP and IB courses.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. Carnegie Mellon values well-rounded students. Get involved in extracurricular activities that you are passionate about.
- Write a strong personal statement. The personal statement is your opportunity to show Carnegie Mellon who you are and why you are a good fit for the university. Take your time writing your personal statement and make sure it is well-written and error-free.
- Get good letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation from your teachers and counselors can help you to stand out from other applicants. Ask for letters of recommendation from people who know you well and who can speak to your academic abilities and character.
- Visit the Carnegie Mellon campus. Visiting the CMU campus is a great way to learn more about the university and to meet with current students and faculty.
- Attend a Carnegie Mellon admissions event. Carnegie Mellon hosts admissions events throughout the year. Attending an admissions event is a great way to learn more about the university and to meet with admissions officers.
- Talk to a Carnegie Mellon admissions counselor. Carnegie Mellon admissions counselors are available to answer your questions and to help you with your application.
- Apply for financial aid. Carnegie Mellon offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for college.
- Be persistent. The Carnegie Mellon admissions process is competitive, but it is important to be persistent. If you are denied admission, don’t give up. Reapply the next year and show Carnegie Mellon that you are still interested in attending the university.
Q: Is Carnegie Mellon an Ivy League school?
A: No, Carnegie Mellon is not a member of the Ivy League.
Q: Is Carnegie Mellon as good as Ivy League schools?
A: Yes, Carnegie Mellon is widely considered to be on par with Ivy League schools in terms of academic rigor, research output, and student selectivity.
Q: What is Carnegie Mellon’s acceptance rate?
A: Carnegie Mellon’s acceptance rate for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle was 13%.
Q: What is Carnegie Mellon’s average SAT score?
A: The average SAT score for admitted students in the 2022-2023 admissions cycle was 1520.
Q: What is Carnegie Mellon’s average ACT score?
A: The average ACT score for admitted students in the 2022-2023 admissions cycle was 34.
Q: What is Carnegie Mellon’s median salary for graduates?
A: The median salary for Carnegie Mellon graduates is $84,900.
Q: What is Carnegie Mellon’s employment rate within six months of graduation?
A: Carnegie Mellon’s employment rate within six months of graduation is 94%.
Q: How can I increase my chances of getting into Carnegie Mellon?
A: You can increase your chances of getting into Carnegie Mellon by starting early, getting good grades, taking challenging classes, getting involved in extracurricular activities, writing a strong personal statement, getting good letters of recommendation, and applying for financial aid.