Pittsburgh, PA · Private University
Is Carnegie Mellon University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$114,862
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$63,829
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,829
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$255,316
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.80x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
92.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,750
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$31,671
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $69,862 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Carnegie Mellon University ranked by graduate earnings
73 graduates
51 graduates
37 graduates
27 graduates
60 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Carnegie Mellon University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Carnegie Mellon University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $247,552) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $25,846) is $221,706/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $247,552 | 3.9x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $149,740 | 2.4x |
| Statistics | $142,883 | 2.2x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $126,932 | 2.0x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $123,200 | 1.9x |
| Systems Science and Theory | $118,034 | 1.9x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,151 | 1.5x |
| Economics | $94,093 | 1.5x |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology(1yr data) | $48,514 | 0.8x |
| Fine and Studio Arts(1yr data) | $32,597 | 0.5x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $25,846 | 0.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | 1.80x | $114,862 | Good ROI |
| University of Pennsylvania | 1.69x | $111,371 | Good ROI |
| Princeton University | 1.84x | $110,066 | Good ROI |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | 1.48x | $102,491 | Average ROI |
| Yale University | 1.55x | $100,533 | Good ROI |
| University of Notre Dame | 1.59x | $99,980 | Good ROI |
The Bottom Line
Carnegie Mellon University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $114,862 10 years after starting — $69,862 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.2 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.