Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, globally recognized for its computer science, artificial intelligence, and robotics programs. It also houses a world-class drama school and fine arts programs, creating an unusual combination of technical and creative excellence.
Mascot: Tartan
Notable Alumni
Andy Warhol (pop art icon)•John Nash (Nobel Prize-winning mathematician)•Holly Hunter (Academy Award-winning actress)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
CMU's infamous stress culture is real — students wear sleep deprivation like a badge of honor and all-night problem sets are a rite of passage, especially in SCS and engineering. Greek life exists but doesn't drive the social scene; bonding happens over shared suffering in project teams and late-night study sessions. You'll find your people, but you have to be intentional about it because the workload won't leave you much unstructured time.
A mix of historic stone buildings and modern facilities like the Gates Center. The campus is functional and well-maintained but architecturally inconsistent, straddling Oakland and Squirrel Hill.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
CMU Police has 35 officers and 28 security guards with escort services running nightly until 4:15 AM. Occasional robberies and assaults have been reported in the immediate campus vicinity.
Oakland is a college-dominated neighborhood shared with Pitt, generally safe during the day with active foot traffic. Some incidents occur on peripheral streets, and Schenley Park is less safe at night.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Multiple times daily, Monday-Saturday (no tours on Wednesdays)
Duration: 75 minutes
Led by Tartan Ambassadors. Includes classrooms, labs, traditions, and campus architecture. Summer schedule (May 21 - Aug 8) released April 7. Departmental tours also available for specific colleges.
Book a TourIndependent touring with stops at campus landmarks. Physical maps available in vestibules of Warner Hall and the Coulter Welcome Center. Typical route takes about 1 hour.
Tour ResourcesVisit mid-September through October for fall color on the leafy Oakland campus, or April-May when the weather is mild and campus is buzzing with Spring Carnival, CMU's legendary student-built roller coaster and buggy race weekend. Avoid winter (December-February) when Pittsburgh is gray and cold, and finals weeks in December and May.
Pittsburgh International Airport is 20 miles away (~40 min drive). The 28X Airport Flyer bus runs directly from the airport to Oakland for about $2.75. On campus, visitor parking is available at the East Campus Garage (5040 Forbes Ave, closest), Gates Garage, CIC Garage, and Dithridge Street Garage. Metered street parking on Margaret Morrison, Tech, and Frew Streets. Parking is limited — rideshare or bus is often easier.
Location
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