CMU Academic Calendar

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is typical for many U.S. universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer session. The Fall semester generally begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. CMU also features shorter, intensive mini-sessions within semesters, allowing students to focus on specific courses in a condensed format. This modular structure provides flexibility for students to balance rigorous coursework with research opportunities and internships, aligning with CMU’s emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary learning.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated based on typical schedules). Classes begin, often preceded by orientation for new students.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025. University closed for the national holiday.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (estimated). A short break for students and faculty to observe the holiday.
• Fall Final Exams: December 8–12, 2025 (estimated). End of Fall semester assessments.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after winter break.
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (estimated). A week-long break for students.
• Commencement: May 15–17, 2026 (estimated). Graduation ceremonies for completing students.

• Early Decision I Deadline: November 1, 2025 (estimated). Binding decision with notification by mid-December 2025.
• Early Decision II Deadline: January 3, 2026 (estimated). Another binding option with notification by early February 2026.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 3, 2026 (estimated). Non-binding application with notification by early April 2026.
• Financial Aid Deadline: February 15, 2026 (estimated). Submission of FAFSA and CSS Profile for need-based aid consideration.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026 (estimated). Deadline for admitted students to confirm enrollment.

The academic calendar at Carnegie Mellon University aligns closely with national norms for U.S. higher education institutions, particularly in the Northeast, with standard breaks for major holidays like Thanksgiving and a longer winter break between semesters. The university’s modular mini-sessions offer unique scheduling flexibility, which can be particularly beneficial for international students managing travel or visa constraints. Additionally, CMU’s calendar accommodates significant research and project periods, reflecting its status as a leading research institution. Students are encouraged to plan around these intensive academic blocks and take advantage of the structured breaks for personal or professional development opportunities.