CMU Acceptance Rate

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and highly selective admissions process. For the Class of 2028, CMU reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 11.3%, reflecting its status as one of the most competitive universities in the United States. This selectivity is driven by a growing applicant pool, with tens of thousands of students vying for limited spots each year, alongside the university’s emphasis on academic excellence and innovation. CMU provides transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, offering prospective students valuable insights into the admissions landscape.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 11.3% for the Class of 2028, with around 34,000 applicants and approximately 3,800 admitted students, marking a slight decrease from previous years.
• Early Decision Rate: Estimated at 12.5%, as CMU offers an Early Decision option that tends to have a marginally higher acceptance rate due to demonstrated interest, though exact figures for 2028 are not yet published.
• International Student Rate: Approximately 10.0%, based on historical data, as international applicants face additional competition due to limited spots and visa considerations.

Over the past decade, Carnegie Mellon’s acceptance rate has trended downward, reflecting increasing competitiveness as more students apply to its top-ranked programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts. The Early Decision option continues to play a significant role, often yielding a higher acceptance rate compared to Regular Decision, as it signals strong commitment to the university. Additionally, international student admissions remain highly selective due to the global demand for CMU’s programs. Compared to peer institutions like MIT or Stanford, CMU’s selectivity is similarly stringent, placing it among the elite tier of U.S. universities. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore detailed statistics on the CMU Admissions website for the most up-to-date information and to understand how they can stand out in this competitive process.