At a Glance
Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate Students: 7,059
Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Six Year Graduation Rate: 93%
Freshman Retention Rate: 97%
Notable Majors/Programs: Computer Science, Engineering, Architecture, Drama, Music, Business, Art, Design
The Feel
CMU is a private, tradition-rich university in the heart of Pittsburgh with a focus on interdisciplinary opportunities.
It’s location adjacent to downtown Pittsburgh gives students access to copious options for restaurants and culture. All museums in the area are free to students as well as public transportation.
The BXA program puts into practice the heart of Carnegie Mellon, which is interdisciplinary degree options. BXA provides a number of options for students to combine degrees and maximize their cross disciplinary mastery.
As a research heavy institution, 70% of all students will conduct meaningful research at some point prior to graduation.
CMU is in NCAA Division III with 17 varsity teams. Women’s golf is one of their prized programs.
Standout Points
They claim to have the number 1 computer science program in the world, and boast a strong representation of 51% women in the department, which doubles the national average.
When it comes to campus life and traditions, Carnegie Mellon is among the top in my book. It all starts with the heavy Scottish theme (Andrew Carnegie and Andrew Mellon were both Scottish American), with plaid and bagpipes integrated across campus events. The list of fun and quirky traditions is very extensive as well!
Many notable creations came out of Carnegie Mellon, including the invention of Java and the Duolingo app.
CMU built the first academic cloud lab, where students can solve real world problems through controlling instruments remotely and through AI.
Fun Fact
Among a huge list of traditions, the buggy races is among the top. Teams of students use their expertise to design and build an aerodynamic buggy, which requires one student to “drive” while four of others push the buggy down the race track.
Bottom Line Fit: For the achiever looking for a truly extraordinary college experience which encourages cross disciplinary scholarship with a tradition heavy campus life.
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