New CMU Pathway Program To Provide Significant Financial Relief to Undergraduate Students
In a transformative milestone for access and affordability in higher education, Carnegie Mellon University has announced the launch of the CMU Pathway Program (opens in new window) , set to begin in the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative aims to provide significant financial relief to undergraduates from low- and middle-income families, ensuring that a quality education at CMU is within reach for all deserving students.
Under the CMU Pathway Program, students from families earning less than $75,000 annually will be able to attend CMU tuition-free. Additionally, those from families earning less than $100,000 annually will have the opportunity to pursue their studies without the burden of federal student loans. This program is designed to support new and returning undergraduate students on CMU’s Pittsburgh campus who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and whose families have typical assets for their income.
The CMU Pathway Program is only part of the university's broader commitment to enhancing access and affordability for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Over the past decade, the university has increased its investment in undergraduate financial aid by more than 86%, rising from $76 million in fiscal year 2015 to $141 million in fiscal year 2024. Furthermore, CMU has met and will continue to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, regardless of their family income.
