Carnegie Mellon University Reaches Historic High at No. 14 in U.S. News Rankings, Takes No. 1 Spot for Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon University has achieved its highest position in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, climbing six spots to No. 14 nationally in the 2027 list. The result marks a historic moment for CMU and reflects growing recognition of the university’s academic strengths, strong student outcomes and distinctive interdisciplinary model. 

The rise comes as the rankings place greater emphasis on outcomes for students after graduation — an area of particular strength for CMU. The university ranks No. 3 nationally for Graduate Earnings by Academic Major, reinforcing the value of a CMU education and its strong return on investment for students and families. 

“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,” said CMU President Farnam Jahanian. “Our momentum in these rankings reflects not only the excellence of our programs, but also the deliberate work we have undertaken to strengthen the CMU experience in ways that matter deeply to students and families. At a time when the return on investment of a college education is under increasing scrutiny, these results affirm the enduring value of a CMU education in preparing students to thrive, lead and make a lasting impact.”

CMU continues to demonstrate exceptional strength across undergraduate academic programs, earning No. 1 rankings in nine specialties and top-five placements in 17 categories. The university claims the No. 1 overall spot for Undergraduate Computer Science(opens in new window) and Computer Engineering, along with No. 1 rankings in Artificial Intelligence(opens in new window), Computer Systems(opens in new window), Cybersecurity(opens in new window), Programming Languages(opens in new window), Software Engineering(opens in new window) and Biocomputing/Bioinformatics(opens in new window). In the Undergraduate Business category, CMU also ranks No. 1 in Management Information Systems. 

In total, CMU earned top 10 placements across 25 categories, with top-five recognition in areas including analytics, quantitative analysis, theory, production/operations management, data analytics/science, undergraduate research/creative projects, most innovative and senior capstone. The university also earned top 10 rankings in additional categories including undergraduate business, chemical engineering, environmental health, electrical/electronic/communications engineering, materials, mechanical engineering and co-ops/internships.

“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,” said Provost and Chief Academic Officer James H. Garrett Jr. “Claiming top honors in computer science and expanding our top-ranked specialties underscores the extraordinary work of our faculty and students, who consistently push the boundaries of discovery and set new standards of excellence.”

Earlier this year, Carnegie Mellon University secured six No. 1 rankings(opens in new window) in the 2026 Best Graduate Schools(opens in new window) rankings from U.S. News & World Report. CMU was recently ranked No. 17 by TIME magazine(opens in new window) and No. 18 by Niche(opens in new window) in their respective lists of the best colleges in America.