Carnegie Mellon University

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $280.0K puts this bachelor's program at the 96th percentile on cost — about 212% above the $89.8K average across 186 comparable listings. It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants must have a high school diploma and strong academic performance in mathematics and computer science coursework. SAT or ACT scores are typically required or recommended, with competitive programs generally expecting scores in the upper percentile ranges.

About This Program

This specialized concentration allows computer science majors to dive deep into the core principles of statistical machine learning and its applications. Most students complete it in about 4 years.

It is one of 60 AI-related programs we track in Pennsylvania, of which about 43% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 97% of the Pennsylvania programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $81.1K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported salaries around $118,000.

Design, implement, and evaluate machine learning models for real-world applications.

Estimated total tuition is $280.0K, above the $89.8K average for AI bachelor's programs in our database and in the 96th percentile on cost at this level. Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of Carnegie Mellon University's BS in Computer Science – Machine Learning most often target Machine Learning Engineer roles, where reported compensation runs around $118,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and Generative AI and LLMs maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 36% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Machine Learning Engineer
• 2. Data Scientist
• 3. AI Research Scientist
• 4. Software Engineer (AI/ML focused)

What You'll Learn

• Design, implement, and evaluate machine learning models for real-world applications
• Apply deep learning techniques and neural network architectures to complex problems
• Develop algorithmic solutions for data processing, pattern recognition, and predictive analytics
• Translate theoretical machine learning concepts into practical systems that impact industry and society

Curriculum Highlights

Requirements include core machine learning courses plus electives such as deep reinforcement learning, large datasets, and deep learning systems.

Top Employers

Top employers include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, OpenAI, and major technology firms investing heavily in artificial intelligence and machine learning research and development.

Admissions

Admission to Carnegie Mellon University's BS in Computer Science – Machine Learning generally expects a high school diploma or equivalent. The GRE is not required here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Personal Statement: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Optional
• Official Transcripts: Required

Frequently Asked Questions