Student Life

A photo taken from above of a large group of students in the lobby of the Purnell Center for the Arts looking up and smiling.

Vibrant Community and Limitless Opportunities

Time and time again, when students and alumni of the School of Drama are asked what sets this program apart, their answer is “the community.” Our leadership, faculty, and staff are passionate about cultivating a vibrant and diverse group of students whose individuality is as valued as their creativity. Our faculty and student body is comprised of artists from all backgrounds, who inevitably become each other’s most enthusiastic supporters and champions.

The opportunities to explore your art form are endless. Here, you will discover the type of artist you want to be, and the people with whom you want to create.

A group of ten students standing on an outdoor stage, cheering and holding up a trophy they won for CMU’s Buggy competition.

Conservatory Training in a University Setting

Our conservatory training embedded in a university means that in addition to the rigorous coursework and plentiful production opportunities within the School of Drama, there are also numerous ways to be involved in campus life outside of Purnell. Many School of Drama students participate in Greek life, Scotch’n’Soda (CMU’s student-run theater troupe), athletics, buggy, and many other university activities and events.

A view of Downtown Pittsburgh taken from across the Allegheny river, two yellow bridges on each side, with downtown high-rises and blue sky with large white and pink clouds overhead.

Life in Pittsburgh

If you’ve seen any recent “Most Livable Cities” lists, you’ve seen Pittsburgh. With its vibrant arts community, eclectic food scene, celebrated sports teams, and low cost of living, Pittsburgh is a not-so-secret gem of a big city with a small town vibe. Here, you’ll find dozens of unique neighborhoods (and hundreds of bridges) situated among its three rivers and rolling hills. Not quite east coast, not quite midwest, Pittsburgh’s personality is a style all its own.

Renée Elise Goldsberry sits cross-legged, resting her chin in her hand and smiling at the camera.

My best friends and greatest resources in this business are friends from my time at Carnegie Mellon.

Renée Elise Goldsberry, Class of 1993 | Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer, and songwriter.

University Resources for Prospective Students

Exterior shot of a residential housing building on CMU’s campus.

Housing & Residential Experience

The residential experience at Carnegie Mellon embraces all aspects of a student’s life. It’s about you. CMU’s Housing Services and the Office of Residential Education create a lived experience that supports, engages, and inspires students throughout their university experience.

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Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Student Financial Services assists students and families in making a Carnegie Mellon education affordable. Click below for information and resources on tuition and fees, financial aid, and more.

CMU students marching in the Downtown Pittsburgh Pride parade; one student with long brown hair wearing a black tank top and holding a pride flag is in the foreground.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Carnegie Mellon University is committed to fostering an environment where all members of our community have a sense of belonging. This commitment drives our pursuit of creating a space where every voice can be heard.

Are you ready to take the next step toward your dreams? Learn more about our application, audition, and interview process.

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