Academic Comparison between Pitt and Penn State

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus and Pennsylvania State University-Main 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 (1,360) than Penn State (1,310).
  • Pitt has higher submitted ACT score (31) 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.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campusvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaLocationUniversity Park, 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$21,524
Out-Of-State$39,890
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
66%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$11,497Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
50.00 %Acceptance Rates54.00 %
16.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,360SAT Score1,310
31ACT Score29
83 %Graduation Rate83 %
11 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
93 %Retention Rate91 %
33,767Student Population50,028
4,261Number of Faculties2,994
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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 services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services