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

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

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$21,926
Out-Of-State$41,430
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
47%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$15,774Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
58.08 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
12.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,360SAT Score1,330
31ACT Score30
85 %Graduation Rate86 %
11 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
92 %Retention Rate93 %
35,724Student Population50,737
4,664Number of Faculties4,174
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 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, On-campus daycare