You would borrow a median $21,750 — about $247 a month for ten years. Graduates earn a median $114,862 ten years after starting, so the debt clears in roughly 0.3 years of the salary premium.
Yes — on the federal figures this is one of the fastest-paying degrees in the country.
Under roughly 15% of gross pay, repayment is generally considered manageable alongside rent and living costs.
Every dollar you win is a dollar you never repay — and it moves the 0.3-year payback above. We list 4 scholarships tied to Carnegie Mellon University.
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The typical graded university clears its debt in 1.3 years on median earnings of $57,146 against $22,500 of debt. Carnegie Mellon University clears its debt faster than that, and its graduates earn $75,342 a year more than a US worker with only a high-school diploma.
| Nearby university | Grade | Debt | Earnings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette College Pennsylvania | A | $16,000 | $91,410 | 0.3 yrs |
| Lehigh University Pennsylvania | A | $21,960 | $105,584 | 0.3 yrs |
| University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania | A | $15,715 | $111,371 | 0.2 yrs |
| Thomas Jefferson University Pennsylvania | A | $14,744 | $77,449 | 0.4 yrs |
| Villanova University Pennsylvania | A | $25,874 | $100,423 | 0.4 yrs |
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard — earnings and debt cover students who received federal financial aid and blend every subject taught at the institution. Figures imported 28 Aug 2026. This page is information, not financial advice.