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A group of students listen to an instructor at class.
Professor Jay Aronson talks to students in his Controversial Topics in the History of American Public Policy class during the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in CMU's Gates Center for Computer Science.
August 25, 2025

Possibility Propels New Academic Year at Carnegie Mellon

Media Inquiries
Cassia Crogan
University Communications & Marketing

Monday, Aug. 25 marked the start of a new academic year at Carnegie Mellon University. 

The tap of fingertips on laptop keys taking notes in class and friends greeting after months apart from open doors — these are the sounds of possibility — of a university coming back to life, of momentum and of the fresh start that fall always brings.

This year, the campus community comprises nearly 5,900 new undergraduate and graduate students, more than 11,000 returning students and 6,700 faculty and staff. The incoming Class of 2029+ hails from 45 states — plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico — and 44 countries around the world, with 17% identifying as first-generation college students. 

After a week of Orientation, and a welcome message from President Farnam Jahanian, classes are underway at CMU. 

Students walk on CMU campus past a red banner that reads CMU 125 Power of Possibilities.

Carnegie Mellon marks its 125th anniversary in 2025, and will kick off CMU125: The Power of Possibilities Homecoming weekend.

A group of students cross the Pausch bridge.

Students cross the Randy Pausch Memorial Bridge into the Gates Center for Computer Science.

Students sit at a cafe bar.

From front, fourth-year student Bethany Hwang, and third-year students, Fraser Kim, Ryan Wahler, and Aaqib Zahir work in the common area during the first day of classes in Scaife Hall.

A student sits at her computer in front of a large window.

Second-year student Preethi Bhaskar works during the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Gates Center.

Two students sit across a red table in front of a university building.

Materials Science graduate students Zach Hopp, left, and James Votruba-Drzal, talk about cycling during the first day of classes outside Porter Hall.

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