Carnegie Mellon’s Rise in National Rankings Highlights Academic Excellence and Strong Student Outcomes
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has reached a new pinnacle in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, moving up six places to secure the No. 14 position nationally for 2027. This leap reflects the university’s enhanced reputation for academic prowess, strong post-graduate outcomes, and its renowned interdisciplinary approach.
With a heightened emphasis on student outcomes post-graduation, CMU has been recognized for its notable strengths. The university has achieved the No. 3 spot nationally for Graduate Earnings by Academic Major, underscoring the high return on investment a CMU education provides.
“This recognition speaks to Carnegie Mellon’s distinctive place in higher education — a university where world-class talent, bold ideas and interdisciplinary strengths come together to shape the future,” stated CMU President Farnam Jahanian. He emphasized that the university’s upward momentum in the rankings is a testament to the quality of its programs and the deliberate efforts to enrich student experiences.
CMU’s undergraduate academic programs continue to excel, achieving No. 1 rankings in nine specialties and securing top-five positions in 17 categories. The university is recognized as the leader for Undergraduate Computer Science and Computer Engineering, and holds top honors in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Systems, Cybersecurity, Programming Languages, Software Engineering, and Biocomputing/Bioinformatics. It also ranks first in Management Information Systems within the Undergraduate Business category.
Overall, CMU has achieved top 10 placements in 25 categories, with top-five accolades in fields such as analytics, quantitative analysis, and production/operations management. Other areas of recognition include data analytics/science, undergraduate research/creative projects, and innovations in senior capstone, among others.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer James H. Garrett Jr. remarked, “Our rise in these rankings reflects the depth and excellence of our academic programs and the unique culture of collaboration that defines the CMU experience.” He highlighted the university’s top honors in computer science as a demonstration of the faculty and students’ extraordinary achievements and pioneering work.
Earlier this year, CMU earned six No. 1 rankings in the 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the university was ranked No. 17 by TIME magazine and No. 18 by Niche among the best colleges in America.
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