The Value of a Carnegie Mellon Education
If you're willing, we'll find a way. Carnegie Mellon students come from a wide range of diverse socio-economic backgrounds — and we're committed to making a CMU education affordable and accessible for everyone.
Attending CMU is a proven investment in your future, and we work to ensure that this investment is available to anyone who hopes to pursue it.
CMU graduates have, on average, less than $20,000 in student loan debt - the national average is $37,000
91% of our 2023 graduates were employed or continued their education within 6 months after graduation
The 2023 graduating class had an average starting salary of $111,064
Don't let the cost scare you.
Carnegie Mellon meets 100% of demonstrated financial need (for domestic students), which is determined through your financial aid application and your family's resources such as assets and income.
By maximizing your financial aid – scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study – you can lower your costs while earning a degree that will pay you back for a lifetime.
Estimating Your Costs
FOR PROSPECTIVE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: CMU offers a Net Price Calculator to give students and families a better idea of what their actual cost might be. This tool is intended for U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens and permanent residents who plan on pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree but haven't yet applied to CMU.
Use the Net Price Calculator
Note: This calculator provides estimated figures only. Actual costs and financial aid offers may vary and are determined once a financial aid application is submitted and processed.
Getting Started with Financial Aid
The first step to apply for aid is completing a CSS Profile (undergraduates only) and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you submit these forms and they are processed, CMU will determine your eligibility and provide you with an financial aid offer. Other documents, such as tax documents, may be required.
Begin Your Application
Note: For 2025-2026, the CSS Profile opens Oct. 1, 2024. The 2025-2026 FAFSA will be available by Dec. 1, 2024. Students are encouraged to submit these forms as soon as possible once they're available.