Carnegie Mellon University logo

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

"My heart is in the work" – Andrew Carnegie

Wikipedia
1900
Founded
Private research university
Type
16,676
Total Students
7,744
Undergrad
8,932
Graduate
$4.3B
Endowment
(2025)
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Farnam Jahanian

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Carnegie Mellon University

CMU: Innovating the future through interdisciplinary excellence and groundbreaking research.

Carnegie Mellon University, a private research powerhouse nestled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, stands as a global beacon of innovation and academic rigor. Founded in 1900 by the visionary industrialist Andrew Carnegie, with his enduring motto, "My heart is in the work," the institution began as a vocational training school. It evolved from the Carnegie Technical Schools into the Carnegie Institute of Technology, eventually merging with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research in 1967 to form the distinguished university we know today. This rich history reflects a foundational commitment to practical application, scientific discovery, and societal contribution.

CMU is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration across its highly-ranked colleges and schools. These include the College of Engineering, the pioneering School of Computer Science, the comprehensive Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the analytical Tepper School of Business. The university has established leadership in diverse fields such as computational finance, human-computer interaction, robotics, software engineering, and artificial intelligence, consistently pushing boundaries in research and education. Its classification as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution underscores its profound impact on global knowledge.

Prospective students are drawn to CMU not only for its academic excellence but also for its vibrant and globally connected student experience. With a student body of over 16,000 from numerous countries, CMU offers a diverse and inclusive environment. The university's global footprint extends with degree-granting locations in Qatar, Silicon Valley, and Kigali, Rwanda (Carnegie Mellon University Africa), providing unique opportunities for international engagement. Beyond academics, the campus buzzes with activity, from NCAA Division III athletics as the Tartans to a rich array of student organizations, all contributing to a dynamic and intellectually stimulating university life.

CMU's profound impact is further evidenced by the remarkable achievements of its faculty and alumni, including Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and recipients of prestigious Emmy, Tony, and Academy Awards. The university’s continuous pursuit of innovation, exemplified by its early adoption of the internet domain ".edu" and pioneering computing networks, ensures it remains at the forefront of shaping the future.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie, whose motto "My heart is in the work" still guides the institution.
  • Classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution.
  • Boasts an impressive faculty and alumni network, including 21 Nobel Prize laureates, 13 Turing Award winners, 142 Emmy Awards, 64 Tony Awards, and 13 Academy Awards.
  • Pioneered significant technological advancements, including the "Andrew" computing network and being one of the first six .edu domain names (cmu.edu).
  • Maintains a global presence with campuses in Qatar, Silicon Valley, and Kigali, Rwanda (Carnegie Mellon University Africa).
  • Manages an endowment of $4.3 billion, supporting long-term faculty, student, and research initiatives.
  • Enrollment of 16,676 students, with programs spanning seven colleges and numerous interdisciplinary centers.

Timeline

1900
Andrew Carnegie establishes the Carnegie Technical Schools in Pittsburgh.
1912
The institution is renamed Carnegie Institute of Technology (CIT) and begins offering four-year degrees.
1913
Andrew and Richard B. Mellon found the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research.
1967
Carnegie Institute of Technology merges with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research to become Carnegie Mellon University.
1985
cmu.edu becomes one of the first six .edu domain names on the Internet.
2006
CMU opens a campus of the Heinz College in Adelaide, Australia.
2011
William S. Dietrich II pledges $265 million, leading to the renaming of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
2018
Farnam Jahanian assumes the presidency of Carnegie Mellon University.
2022
Carnegie Mellon announces a $275.7 million partnership with the Mastercard Foundation to support Carnegie Mellon University Africa in Kigali, Rwanda.
2023
The Computational Biology department is renamed the Ray and Stephanie Lane Computational Biology Department following a $25 million investment.
🏛️
126 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within Carnegie Mellon University

⚙️

College of Engineering

One of the university's foundational colleges, recognized for pioneering research and education across various engineering disciplines.

🔬

School of Computer Science

An internationally renowned school, celebrated for its groundbreaking contributions to computer science, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

🔬

Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Named after Marianna Brown Dietrich, this college offers a diverse range of programs in the humanities and social sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinary thought.

💼

Tepper School of Business

A leading business school known for its analytical approach to management science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

🏛️

Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy

Offers graduate-level education in information systems, public policy, and management, with a global presence including a campus in Adelaide.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
James Garrett
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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