Carnegie Mellon MBA
- Goalisb
- Oct 13
- 13 min read
Table of Contents
Tepper MBA Program Overview
Duration: 21 Months
Format: Full-time
Mode of Delivery: On-site
Summer Internship
Ranked 16th MBA Program by US News & World Report
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When are the Tepper MBA Application Deadlines for the 2025 intake?
Rounds | Date |
Round 1 | September 30, 2025 |
Round 2 | January 8, 2026 |
Round 3 | March 3, 2026 |
Round 4 | May 5, 2026 |
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Tepper MBA - Carnegie Mellon- About the Program and application Requirements
Tepper MBA Admission Process
Online Application
Interview
Final Decision
CMU Tepper MBA Application Requirements
Online Application
Current Resume
Two Essays (One written and one video)
One re applicant’s essay in case of reapplicants
One Professional Recommendation
Academic Transcripts
Official GMAT/GRE or EA Score or Approved Test Waiver
English Language Test Proficiency - IELTS/TOEFL (If applicable)
Application Fee of $200
Admission Interview
Check out comprehensive MBA application guidance and strategy:
What is the Tepper CMU MBA ranking?
The CMU Tepper MBA FT rank on various parameters is as follows.
FT MBA Ranking -Rank in 2023: 49
Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business is ranked 23rd among the top business schools in the world. The school has seen an impressive increase in salary percentage by 136%, which is a remarkable achievement. The school has also performed well in terms of career services, as it ranks 9th in this category. Additionally, 95% of students are employed within three months of graduation. However, the school's environmental, social, and governance rank is 70, indicating that there is room for improvement in this area. The faculty at Tepper School of Business is highly educated, with 96% of faculty members holding doctorates. The school has a diverse student body, with 30% female students and 38% international students. Despite its relatively high rank, the school ranks 63rd in terms of value for money, indicating that the cost of attending may be a concern for some students. Nonetheless, the school's alumni speak highly of it, as evidenced by its alumni recommend rank of 23. Overall, the Tepper School of Business offers a strong academic program with excellent career opportunities for its graduates.
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Tepper MBA Class Profile Class of 2024 & 2023
Students: 192
Women: 31%
International Citizens: 56%
US Minorities: 60%
US Underrepresented Minorities: 17%
LGBTQ: 8%
Veterans: 5%
Age
Average Age: 29 Years
Middle 80% Age Range: 25-34 Years
GPA
Average GPA: 3.33
Median GPA: 3.36
Middle 80% GPA Range: 2.84-3.82
GMAT
Average GMAT: 702
Median GMAT: 710
Middle 80% GMAT Range: 640-750
Also read GMAT Exam Dates and Scheduling for registration guidance.
Work Experience
Average Work Experience: 5.8 Years
Median Work Experience: 5.2 Years
Middle 80% Range: 3.1 – 9.1
Less Than One Year: 1%
Countries Represented: 22
Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Singapore, S. Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.
Academic Majors Represented
Engineering: 48%
Business/Commerce: 21%
Arts/Humanities: 4%
Social Sciences: 3%
Economics: 16%
Math/Physical Science: 6%
Other: 2%
Industries Represented
Technology/New Media: 24%
Financial Services: 16%
Consulting: 15%
Healthcare: 6%
Consumer Goods & Retail: 6%
Manufacturing: 5%
Government: 5%
Other: 22%
Class Profile - 2023
Total Students: 231
International Citizens: 34%
Women: 21%
Countries Represented: 29
Median Work Experience: 5.1 Years
Average GPA: 3.35
Average GMAT: 691
Academic Majors
Arts/Humanities: 6%
Business: 22%
Engineering: 33%
Humanities/Social Science: 6%
Mathematics/Physical Science: 2%
Other: 16%
Social Science: 16%
Curious if you fit Tepper’s profile? Contact and check your eligibility with GOALisB and plan a winning application strategy.
Tepper MBA Tuition, Scholarships and Courses
About tuition fee and scholarships
CMU Tepper Tuition
Tuition Fee for Full-time MBA Program is $72,800.
For Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, attending this university will incur various expenses, including , university fees, health insurance, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. The total cost for both intakes is $15,967 in addition to tuition for the fall and $13,155 in addition to tuition for the spring. University fees are consistent for both semesters at $464. Health insurance is provided for Fall 2022 but not for Spring 2023, with the cost for the fall intake being $2,812. Room, board, and miscellaneous expenses are the same for both intakes at $10,705. Books and supplies cost $725 for both intakes, and transportation costs are also consistent at $1,261. Overall, students should take these expenses into consideration when budgeting for their education at this university.
There are various payment plans and benefits available for students at Tepper.
Check out available MBA scholarships and boost your admission chances.
Worried about funding your MBA? Connect with GOALisB and explore scholarship opportunities and financial planning support.
Tepper MBA Employment Report
Class of 2022
Class of 2022 Full Time MBA Graduates Placements
Graduates received an offer within 3 months of graduation: 97%
Student Assessment of Career Services Rank 8th by The Economist 2021
Alumni Assessment of Career Services Rank 9th by Financial Times 2022
Median Base Salary (Full-time MBA 2022 Graduates):$148,067
Employment by Function
Consulting: 40.60%
Internal: 0.80%
Management/Strategy: 39.80%
Financial Services: 14.10%
Asset Management: 2.30%
Corporate (Analysis/Treasury): 2.30%
Investment Bank: 7.00%
Other: 2.30%
General Management: 10.90%
General/LDPs: 6.20%
Project Management: 0.80%
Strategic Planning/Business Development: 3.90%
IS/IT: 0.80%
Management: 0.80%
Marketing: 21.90%
Brand (B2C): 1.60%
Product/Industrial (B2B): 18.00%
Research/Analytics: 1.60%
Sales: 0.80%
POM: 6.20%
Operations Management: 2.30%
Production Management: 0.80%
Purchasing: 0.80%
Supply Chain Management/Logistics: 2.30%
Other: 5.50%
Average Compensation by Function
Consulting: $163,954
Management/Strategy: $164,325
Financial Services: $147,056
Asset Management: $115,000
Corporate (Analysis/Treasury): $130,667
Investment Bank: $168,333
Other: $131,667
General Management: $134,821
General/LDPs: $128,375
Strategic Planning/Business Development: $144,300
Marketing: $136,086
Product/Industrial (B2B): $135,931
POM: $128,375
Operations Management: $128,667
Supply Chain Management/Logistics: $133,333
Other: $128,333
Employment by Industry
Biotechnology/health/pharmaceutical: 6.20%
Biotechnology: 0.80%
Medical Product/Devices: 1.60%
Medical Services: 1.60%
Pharmaceuticals: 2.30%
Consulting: 39.10%
Management/Strategy: 35.90%
Technology: 3.10%
Consumer Products: 3.10%
Energy/Petroleum/Utilities: 0.80%
Financial Services: 16.40%
Asset Management: 1.60%
Commercial Bank: 0.80%
Diversified Services: 1.60%
Insurance: 2.30%
Investment Bank: 7.00%
Private Equity/Venture Capital: 1.60%
Other: 1.60%
Manufacturing: 2.30%
Other: 2.30%
Media/Entertainment: 1.60%
Entertainment: 1.60%
Real Estate: 0.80%
Technology: 28.10%
Electronics: 0.80%
Hardware: 0.80%
Internet/E-Business: 14.80%
Software: 10.20%
Telecommunications: 0.80%
Other: 0.80%
Other: 1.60%
Retail/Merchandising: 0.80%
Other: 0.80%
Average Compensation by Industry
Biotechnology/Health/Pharmaceutical: $129,250
Pharmaceuticals: $119,000
Consulting: $164,612
Management/Strategy: $166,752
Technology: $140,000
Consumer Products: $120,000
Financial Services: $145,000
Insurance: $138,333
Investment Bank: $168,333
Manufacturing: $121,667
Other: $121,667
Technology: $140,426
Internet/E-Business: $140,540
Software: $139,631
Employment by Region
Mid-Atlantic: 18.20%
Midwest: 11.60%
Northeast: 33.10%
South: 4.10%
Southwest: 6.60%
West: 24.80%
International
Asia: 1.70%
Average Compensation by Region
Mid-Atlantic: $151,818
Midwest: $164,786
Northeast: $147,588
South: $130,880
Southwest: $139,625
West: $146,921
Who were the top employers at Tepper in 2022 placements ?
The Class of 2022 Full-time MBA graduates at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business have secured employment with some of the top companies in the world. Among the top employers for Tepper graduates in 2022 are Amazon, Deloitte, Microsoft, PwC, Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Company, EY Parthenon, Bain & Company, Google, AlixPartners, Capital One Financial Corporation, Jefferies Group, and TATA Consultancy Services. These companies are leaders in their respective fields, spanning industries such as technology, consulting, finance, and more. This diverse range of employers highlights the versatility of the Tepper MBA program, which prepares graduates for success in a wide variety of industries and roles. These top-tier employers are a testament to the high-quality education and career preparation provided by the Tepper School of Business.
Dreaming of a top consulting or tech role after Tepper? Reach out to GOALisB to help you align your career goals with the MBA path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carnegie Mellon good for MBA?
Yes, Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business is highly regarded for its MBA program, especially in technology, analytics, and leadership, consistently ranking among the top 20 U.S. business schools.
Explore other career-focused MBA specializations to find the path that aligns with your goals:
Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business is widely recognized as one of the best MBA programs for candidates interested in data-driven leadership, technology management, and innovation. The Tepper MBA stands out for its STEM-designated curriculum, strong ties to the tech industry, and emphasis on analytical decision-making.
Key highlights of Tepper’s MBA:
MBA Rankings: Typically placed within the top 20 MBA programs in U.S. News and Financial Times global rankings.
Career Outcomes: Graduates often secure roles in consulting, tech, and product management, with leading employers like Amazon, Deloitte, and McKinsey.
STEM Advantage: The STEM designation offers international students extended OPT (Optional Practical Training) eligibility in the U.S.
Class Size: Small cohort (144 students), promoting close faculty interaction and networking.
Get a closer look at How Do You Visualize MBA Class of 2025? and what makes this cohort unique.
Overall, Tepper is ideal for candidates aiming for careers at the intersection of business, analytics, and technology rather than traditional finance-heavy roles.
Discover the 15 Most Popular MBA Courses shaping business leaders worldwide
What is the GMAT score for Carnegie Mellon MBA?
The average GMAT score for Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper MBA is 707, with the middle 80% range typically between 700-740.
For admission to the Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business MBA program, a competitive average GMAT score is 70. The middle 80% range—representing most admitted students—spans 700 to 740, showing that Tepper values both academic and professional excellence beyond just test scores.
Additional insights:
Median GMAT- 710
Average GPA: Around 3.33
Test flexibility: Tepper also accepts GRE scores and offers GMAT/GRE waivers for qualified candidates with strong quantitative or professional backgrounds.
Admissions approach: Tepper follows a holistic evaluation, factoring in leadership potential, analytical skills, and career goals alongside test performance.
Does Carnegie Mellon have an MBA program?
Yes, Carnegie Mellon University offers a prestigious MBA program through its Tepper School of Business, available in full-time, part-time, online, and hybrid formats.
Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business provides a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program known for its quantitative rigor, leadership development, and technology integration. The Tepper MBA is STEM-designated, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and innovation.
MBA program formats at Carnegie Mellon Tepper:
Full-Time MBA (on-campus, 21 months) – Ideal for career changers and global opportunities.
Part-Time Flex MBA – Designed for working professionals with in-person or hybrid options.
Online Hybrid MBA – Combines online coursework with in-person weekend sessions.
Accelerated MBA (for Tepper alumni) – A condensed program for those with prior CMU graduate coursework.
All formats share the same faculty, curriculum quality, and leadership-focused approach. Tepper’s MBA consistently ranks among the top 20 U.S. business schools for innovation and analytics.
Which is better, NYU or Carnegie Mellon for MBA?
NYU Stern is generally stronger for finance, consulting, and global business, while Carnegie Mellon Tepper excels in technology, analytics, and operations; both rank among the top 20 U.S. MBA programs.
Choosing between NYU Stern School of Business and Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business depends on your career goals and preferred learning environment.
Comparison Overview:
Feature | NYU Stern | Carnegie Mellon Tepper |
Ranking (U.S. News 2025) | Top 10–12 | Top 15–20 |
Best For | Finance, Consulting, Luxury, Entrepreneurship | Technology, Analytics, Product Management |
Average GMAT | 733 | 707 |
Location Advantage | New York City (Wall Street access, global business hub) | Pittsburgh (tech and innovation ecosystem) |
Class Size | 352 | 144 |
STEM MBA | Optional STEM tracks | Fully STEM-designated |
Culture | Large, network-driven, urban | Small, collaborative, analytical |
In summary:
Choose NYU Stern if your focus is finance, consulting, or corporate strategy and you value the New York City network.
Choose Carnegie Mellon Tepper if you aim for tech leadership, data analytics, or operations management, and prefer a quantitative, close-knit environment.
Is Carnegie Mellon considered an Ivy League?
No, Carnegie Mellon University is not part of the Ivy League, but it is regarded as an elite private research university often ranked comparable to Ivy League schools in technology, business, and engineering.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is not an Ivy League institution—the Ivy League is a group of eight historic Northeastern U.S. universities (including Harvard, Yale, and Princeton) known for their athletic conference and academic prestige.
However, CMU is widely viewed as an “Ivy Plus” or “Public Ivy–level” university because of its exceptional strength in STEM, business (Tepper School of Business), computer science, and design. It consistently ranks among the top 25 universities in the U.S. and rivals Ivy League schools in research output, faculty quality, and global reputation.
Why CMU is often compared to the Ivies:
Top-tier programs: World-leading in computer science, engineering, and analytics.
Selective admissions: Highly competitive acceptance rate (~11–13%).
Prestige: Recognized globally for innovation and interdisciplinary education.
Check out other top business school destinations in America to plan your MBA journey:
Who is the richest MBA in the world?
The richest person with an MBA (or at least the most well-known) is Michael Bloomberg, who earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and has a net worth of around US$45–55+ billion
What is the acceptance rate for Carnegie Mellon MBA?
The acceptance rate for Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper MBA is around 27–30%, making it a moderately selective top-tier business school.
The Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business maintains an acceptance rate of roughly 27–30% for its full-time MBA program. This selectivity reflects Tepper’s position among the top 20 U.S. MBA programs, balancing strong academic standards with an inclusive admissions philosophy.
Key admissions insights:
Acceptance Rate: ~27–30%
Average GMAT- 707
Average GPA- 3.33
Class Size: 144 students
Application Rounds: Typically 3 (Round 1–4 from September 2025 to May 2026)
Tepper evaluates applicants holistically, considering academic performance, professional experience, leadership potential, and quantitative aptitude. The program’s relatively small class size and STEM designation also contribute to its competitiveness.
Is GRE required for Carnegie Mellon MBA?
No, the GRE is not required for Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper MBA; applicants may submit either GMAT or GRE scores, and test waivers are available for qualified candidates.
For admission to the Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business MBA program, submitting standardized test scores is optional under certain conditions. Tepper accepts both GMAT and GRE scores but also offers a GMAT/GRE waiver for candidates with strong academic or professional backgrounds that demonstrate quantitative ability.
Key details:
Accepted Tests: GMAT or GRE (no preference given).
Waivers: Available for candidates with significant work experience, advanced degrees, or strong evidence of quantitative and analytical skills.
Test-Optional Policy: Candidates can apply without a test if they receive a waiver approval.
International Students: Still encouraged to submit scores to strengthen competitiveness, especially if academic records are from non-U.S. institutions.
Tepper’s holistic admissions approach means that leadership, professional impact, and fit with the program weigh heavily alongside test performance.
What are the downsides of Carnegie Mellon?
The main downsides of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) include a high cost of attendance, a rigorous and competitive academic environment, and a location in Pittsburgh that offers fewer big-city networking opportunities compared to schools in New York or California.
While Carnegie Mellon University—and its Tepper School of Business for MBA candidates—is highly respected for academic excellence and innovation, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider depending on your goals and preferences.
1. Cost of Attendance:
CMU is a private university with tuition costs for the MBA- $40,670.
Scholarships and financial aid exist but are competitive, making affordability a concern for some students.
2. Intense Academic Pressure:
CMU’s programs, particularly in business analytics, engineering, and computer science, are known for being quantitatively demanding.
Students often describe the culture as collaborative but academically intense, which may not suit everyone.
3. Location (Pittsburgh):
While Pittsburgh has grown as a tech and innovation hub, it lacks the global finance and consulting network of cities like New York, Boston, or San Francisco.
Some students find fewer in-person corporate engagement opportunities compared to urban MBA programs.
4. Smaller Alumni Network:
Tepper’s smaller class size (~200) leads to close-knit connections but a smaller global alumni base than larger schools like NYU Stern or Wharton.
5. Limited Non-Tech Focus:
CMU’s strongest brand is in STEM and analytics, which can overshadow traditional MBA areas like marketing or luxury management.
Despite these downsides, CMU remains a top-tier, STEM-driven university ideal for candidates who thrive in analytical, innovation-focused environments.
What kind of student is Carnegie Mellon looking for?
Carnegie Mellon University looks for innovative, analytical, and collaborative students with strong academic performance, leadership potential, and problem-solving ability, who can contribute to its research-driven and technology-focused culture.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), especially its Tepper School of Business and College of Engineering, values students who combine intellectual rigor with creativity and leadership. Admissions are holistic, meaning they assess both academic strength and personal qualities.
Key Qualities CMU Looks For
Strong Academics:
High GPA in challenging coursework (STEM, economics, or quantitative subjects).
Competitive standardized test scores (if submitted) such as EA, GRE, or GMAT.
Clear evidence of analytical thinking and quantitative aptitude.
Innovation & Problem-Solving Mindset:
CMU values students who enjoy applying technology or data to solve real-world problems.
Projects, research, or internships showing creativity and initiative stand out.
Leadership & Collaboration:
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence others, or build solutions collaboratively in academic, professional, or community settings.
Tepper MBA, for instance, explicitly seeks “collaborative leaders who drive innovation with data.”
Personal Fit & Values:
Applicants who align with CMU’s focus on interdisciplinary learning, ethical leadership, and impact.
Strong essays and recommendations that highlight intellectual curiosity, teamwork, and resilience.
Global & Diverse Perspective:
CMU favors candidates who bring cultural diversity, international exposure, or unique experiences that enrich the campus community.
Discover the Most Diverse Top 50 MBA Program and explore global student experiences.
Still have doubts about the Tepper MBA? Talk to GOALisB admissions experts and ask your questions and get personalized answers.
