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Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

"My heart is in the work" – Andrew Carnegie

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

Carnegie Mellon: Where 'heart is in the work' drives groundbreaking innovation across tech and arts.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) stands as a beacon of innovation and research, globally recognized for its profound impact across technology, engineering, computer science, and the arts. Nestled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this private research powerhouse lives by its founder Andrew Carnegie's motto: "My heart is in the work," a philosophy that permeates its cutting-edge research and dynamic learning environment. With a robust $4.3 billion endowment and a diverse student body of over 16,000, CMU extends its influence far beyond its main campus, boasting degree-granting locations on six continents, including vibrant hubs in Qatar and Silicon Valley, and a significant presence in Kigali, Rwanda.

CMU's rich history began in 1900 as the Carnegie Technical Schools, established by industrialist Andrew Carnegie with a vision to offer vocational training to Pittsburgh's working class. It evolved into the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1912, offering four-year degrees. A pivotal moment arrived in 1967 with the merger of the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research – founded by the Mellon brothers – to form Carnegie Mellon University, solidifying its status as a comprehensive research institution. This merger cemented a legacy of blending practical application with groundbreaking research.

Today, CMU is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," a testament to its relentless pursuit of knowledge. The university distinguishes itself through an interdisciplinary approach, fostering leadership in diverse fields such as robotics, software engineering, computational finance, human-computer interaction, and entertainment technology. Its seven colleges, including the renowned School of Computer Science and the College of Engineering, continually push boundaries, setting standards in educational computing and driving innovation that benefits society.

Prospective students at CMU join a vibrant community where academic rigor is balanced with a rich campus life. The university fosters an inclusive environment, welcoming students from over 117 countries. As the Tartans, CMU competes in NCAA Division III athletics, embodying the spirit of teamwork and dedication. Beyond the classroom and playing fields, CMU's faculty and alumni boast an extraordinary array of accolades, including 21 Nobel Prizes, 13 Turing Awards, and numerous Emmy, Tony, and Academy Awards, reflecting a culture of excellence and a profound impact on the world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie with the motto "My heart is in the work."
  • A private research university with a $4.3 billion endowment and over 16,000 students.
  • Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity," recognizing its extensive research impact.
  • Faculty and alumni include 21 Nobel Prize laureates, 13 Turing Award winners, 142 Emmy Awards, 64 Tony Awards, and 13 Academy Awards.
  • A global leader in fields such as robotics, software engineering, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and computational finance.
  • Main campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with degree-granting locations on six continents, including Qatar, Silicon Valley, and Kigali, Rwanda.

Timeline

1900
Andrew Carnegie founded the Carnegie Technical Schools in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1912
The institution changed its name to Carnegie Institute of Technology (CIT) and began offering four-year degrees.
1913
The Mellon Institute of Industrial Research was founded by Andrew and Richard B. Mellon.
1967
Carnegie Institute of Technology merged with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research to become Carnegie Mellon University.
1985
cmu.edu became one of the first six .edu domain names, setting a standard for educational computing.
2006
CMU opened a campus of the Heinz College in Adelaide, Australia, expanding its global reach.
2011
William S. Dietrich II pledged a $265 million gift, leading to the renaming of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
2022
Announced a $275.7 million partnership with Mastercard Foundation to support Carnegie Mellon University Africa in Kigali, Rwanda.
🏛️
126 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Carnegie Mellon University

⚙️

College of Engineering

One of the university's foundational colleges, housing robust engineering programs and key teaching facilities.

🔬

School of Computer Science

Internationally recognized for pioneering research in fields like robotics and software engineering, a core strength of CMU.

🔬

Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Encompasses a wide array of humanities and social sciences disciplines, renamed following a significant endowment.

💼

Tepper School of Business

A prominent business school within CMU known for its innovative approach and strong academic programs.

🏫

Mellon Institute of Industrial Research

A historic research organization that merged with Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1967 to form Carnegie Mellon University.

🏫

Heinz College

A graduate college, known for its programs in public policy, management, and information systems, with a campus in Adelaide, Australia.

Leadership

James Garrett
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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