Carnegie Mellon  /  Financial aid

Paying for Carnegie Mellon

The sticker price is rarely what families pay. Here is what Carnegie Mellon actually costs after aid, broken down by income, with the real numbers and a calculator for your situation.

Free tuition at Carnegie Mellon for families earning under $75,000 a year. CMU Pathway Program (2025-26): free tuition under $75k; no federal loans under $100k; meets 100% of demonstrated need for US citizens/permanent residents

Estimate your cost

An estimate from published averages, not an offer. Always run Carnegie Mellon's official net price calculator and file the FAFSA/CSS Profile for your real number.

Average net price by family income

Under $30k$8,460/yr after aid
$30 to 48k$12,600/yr after aid
$48 to 75k$17,534/yr after aid
$75 to 110k$27,827/yr after aid
$110k+$52,593/yr after aid

The full cost

Sticker (cost of attendance)$85,990
Tuition & fees$62,910
Room & board$19,566
Average net price$39,000
Students on aid53%
Financial needDoes not meet full need for everyone
International studentsNo need-based aid for international students

Carnegie Mellon cost & aid FAQ

How much does Carnegie Mellon cost after financial aid?

The average family pays about $39,000 per year at Carnegie Mellon after grants and scholarships, against a sticker price of $85,990. Use the calculator to estimate your own net price by family income.

What does Carnegie Mellon cost by family income?

At Carnegie Mellon, the average total net price (tuition, room, board and fees, after aid) is about $8,460 per year for families earning under $30,000 and about $52,593 for families earning over $110,000. Net price rises with income because most aid is need-based.

Does Carnegie Mellon offer free tuition?

Yes. Carnegie Mellon waives tuition for families earning under $75,000 a year. That covers tuition itself; room, board and fees may still apply, so the total cost can be above zero.

Does Carnegie Mellon give financial aid to international students?

No need-based aid for international students. International applicants should confirm aid policies directly with Carnegie Mellon's financial aid office.

Does Carnegie Mellon meet full financial need?

Does not meet full need for everyone. Meeting need means the school aims to cover the gap between its cost and what your family can pay, as determined by the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

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