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 ($41,790) than Pitt ($41,430).
  • It is harder to admit to Pitt than Penn State.
  • Pitt has a higher submitted SAT score (1,330) than Penn State (1,330).
  • Pitt has higher submitted ACT score (30) than Penn State (30).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 students while Pitt has 35,724 students.
  • Pitt has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Pitt has more full-time faculties with 4,664 faculties while Penn State has 4,174 full-time faculties.
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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$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$21,926
Out-Of-State$41,430
50%% Receiving Financial Aid47%
$14,013Average Amount of Financial Aid$15,774
60.56 %Acceptance Rates58.08 %
17.11 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.99 %
1,330SAT Score1,360
30ACT Score31
86 %Graduation Rate85 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate11 %
93 %Retention Rate92 %
50,737Student Population35,724
4,174Number of Faculties4,664
16 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services