by our College Data Analytics TeamUnderstanding all of the expenses related to attending college can allow you to make the best decision at Carnegie Mellon University.
On this page you will find:
Housing and meal plans are priced out separately here. The standard student paid $10,816 in 2026, and the cost of a typical dining plan was $7,350. When you add it all up, the average on-campus student at Carnegie Mellon University paid roughly $21,966 in 2026 after factoring in housing, meals, books and other essentials.
The table below shows the expected costs of on-campus and off-campus housing and dining plans for Carnegie Mellon University.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $19,566 | $18,436 |
| — Housing | $10,816 | |
| — Meals | $7,350 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $1,400 | $1,400 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Total | $21,966 | $20,836 |
The price of living on campus is rarely the same in your senior year as it was your first. Knowing where it is headed helps you budget for the full degree, not just year one.
Carried across a typical four-year degree, room, board and other living costs add up to about $95,647 in housing, food and other expenses.
Here is how combined on-campus room and board has moved over the last few reported years, with a projection of where it is headed, at Carnegie Mellon University.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $17,550 |
| Two Years Ago | $18,196 |
| One Year Ago | $18,868 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $19,566 |
| One Year From Now * | $20,315 |
| Two Years From Now * | $21,093 |
| Three Years From Now * | $21,900 |
| Four Years From Now * | $22,739 |
* estimated
Over the reported period, on-campus housing and dining changed about 3.8% per year. At the same pace next year, the total would be roughly $22,715 for their first year on campus.
At this pace, a senior would spend approximately $25,139 for a bachelor’s program; a two-year student would see about $23,493 in the final year of a two-year (associate) degree.
Over a four-year stay, the projected room, board and living-cost total is about $95,647 over four years — compared with roughly $46,208 for two years on campus.
Most schools raise housing and dining costs gradually each year, so today’s figure is unlikely to be what you pay all four years.
For details on living on campus, including capacity, see the table below.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 4,044 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |