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 ($41,790) than Pitt ($41,430).
  • It is harder to admit to Pitt than Penn State.
  • Pitt has a higher submitted SAT score (1,360) than Penn State (1,330).
  • Pitt has higher submitted ACT score (31) 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

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