Academic Comparison between Penn State and Pitt

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Pennsylvania

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Penn State has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,188) than Pitt ($39,890).
  • It is harder to admit to Pitt than Penn State.
  • Pitt has a higher submitted SAT score (1,310) than Penn State (1,310).
  • Pitt has higher submitted ACT score (29) than Penn State (29).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,028 students while Pitt has 33,767 students.
  • Pitt has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Pitt has more full-time faculties with 4,261 faculties while Penn State has 2,994 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Penn State Pitt
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$21,524
Out-Of-State$39,890
56%% Receiving Financial Aid66%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,497
54.22 %Acceptance Rates49.70 %
19.40 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.67 %
1,310SAT Score1,360
29ACT Score31
83 %Graduation Rate83 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate11 %
91 %Retention Rate93 %
50,028Student Population33,767
2,994Number of Faculties4,261
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services