University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
The Vibe Check
The University of Pittsburgh feels like a bustling urban campus with a tight-knit community, anchored by the stunning gothic architecture of the Cathedral of Learning. Students are fiercely proud of their school spirit, especially on game days at Heinz Field, and the vibe is a mix of intense academic drive and classic Midwestern friendliness.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Pitt is a top-tier research institution, particularly renowned for its health professions, engineering, and computer science programs that leverage strong ties to the city's medical and tech industries. The university is known for its hands-on learning, with students often participating in groundbreaking research alongside faculty from their first year.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh offers a vibrant student life with a mix of urban excitement and cozy neighborhood vibes. Students love exploring the Strip District for food and shopping, catching Pirates or Steelers games, and enjoying the city's renowned restaurant and coffee shop scene. The city's three rivers and numerous bridges also provide great opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic runs.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($66,125):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The Oakland campus itself is considered safe with its own police force and well-lit pathways, but students should remain aware of their surroundings in the urban environment. Pittsburgh's neighborhoods have varying safety levels, but the student-heavy areas around campus are generally well-patrolled.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ World-class research opportunities, especially in medicine and technology.
- ✓ Strong alumni network and career placement in growing industries.
- ✓ Vibrant urban location with affordable cost of living for a city of its size.
- ✓ Major sports culture and school spirit, especially for football and basketball.
Cons
- ✗ Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, making it less affordable for non-residents.
- ✗ The urban setting can feel overwhelming for students from rural areas.
- ✗ Winters can be long, cold, and gray, which may affect some students' moods.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Pittsburgh is globally recognized for its pioneering research, particularly in medicine, health sciences, and engineering, housed within its renowned School of Medicine and Swanson School of Engineering. It is also famous for the Cathedral of Learning, a 42-story Gothic skyscraper that serves as the centerpiece of campus and houses unique Nationality Classrooms.
With a 49.7% acceptance rate, Pitt is considered a moderately selective school. Applicants typically have strong academic records, with an average SAT score of 1371. While competitive, it is more accessible than some elite private universities, but admission to popular programs like engineering or business can be more selective.
Campus life is a mix of big-school energy and a supportive community, with over 400 student organizations to join. Students are passionate about their sports teams, and the campus's location in the Oakland neighborhood provides easy access to museums, restaurants, and parks. While many students live on campus in their first year, upperclassmen often move to nearby neighborhoods like Shadyside or South Oakland.
For in-state students, Pitt is an excellent financial investment, offering a top-tier education at a public university price with strong post-graduation earnings. For out-of-state students, the value is still high due to the university's reputation and career outcomes, but it requires careful financial planning to ensure the ROI is justified.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 25,319
- In-State Tuition $21,524
- Out-of-State $39,890
- Zip Code 15260
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $30,074, Pitt offers a strong return on investment, especially for in-state students paying $21,524. The 10-year median earnings of $66,125 for graduates, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering and health professions, suggests the degree pays off significantly over time.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.