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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a public university in University Park, PA, and University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is a public university in Pittsburgh, PA. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is the more selective of the two, admitting about 58% of applicants against 61% at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $30,434 a year against $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. About 86% of students graduate at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, compared with 85% at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus. Ten years after enrolling, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus alumni earn a median of about $66,125, against $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus.

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public
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University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public
View profile
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University Park, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
42,284
20,370
Acceptance rate
61%
58%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1420
1280–1460
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$32,875
$30,434
Full cost / yr
$39,694
$38,105
In-state tuition
$20,644
$21,926
Out-of-state tuition
$41,790
$41,430
Application fee
$65
$55
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$19,845
$14,709
$30k - $48k
$20,049
$18,371
$48k - $75k
$25,667
$23,192
$75k - $110k
$31,834
$31,567
Over $110k
$37,831
$36,008
Outcomes
Graduation rate
86%
85%
Freshman retention
93%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,620
$54,240
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,435
$66,125
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
14%
First-generation students
29%
21%
International students
9%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus harder to get into?
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 58% of applicants, compared with 61% at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $30,434 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
Before aid, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus costs about $38,105 a year and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus about $39,694. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,709 there, against about $19,845 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 42,284 undergraduates against 20,370 at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus have a better graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 85% at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus.
Do graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus earn more?
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,125 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1420 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and 1280–1460 at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Temple UniversityUniversity of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus vs Temple University

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