University of Pittsburgh-Bradford: 93.6% Acceptance Rate

93.6%Acceptance

$14,620Tuition

980Students

43%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$66,125Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Pittsburgh-Bradford

The University of Pittsburgh-Bradford serves 980 students in rural Pennsylvania's Northern Tier region. This small liberal arts college operates as part of the strong University of Pittsburgh system while maintaining an intimate campus atmosphere. With a 93.55% acceptance rate, Pitt-Bradford opens doors for students seeking personalized education in a close-knit community. The school attracts students who want University of Pittsburgh credentials without the overwhelming scale of the main Pittsburgh campus.

Students pay an average net price of $16,630 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in the Pitt system. Graduates earn a median of $66,125 ten years after graduation, suggesting solid return on investment despite the modest $24,250 median debt load. The monthly loan payment of $257 remains manageable compared to graduate earnings. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not ID number. However, the 43.40% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees. The Panthers compete in NCAA Division III athletics across 12 sports, giving 193 student-athletes opportunities to continue their athletic careers while focusing on academics.

Academics & Faculty

Pitt-Bradford operates as a liberal arts college within the University of Pittsburgh system, giving students access to a full education with personal attention. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students by name and can provide individualized mentoring. However, only 43% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face in this rural setting. The college offers solid programs in business, education, and the sciences, with students benefiting from University of Pittsburgh's broader resources and reputation. Students who thrive here appreciate the small-college feel combined with the backing of a major research university system.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 80.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 42.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 43.4%
Retention Rate: 61.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $66,125
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$60,207
Applied Mathematics.	Bachelor	$55,286
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$55,136
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$54,386
Economics.	Bachelor	$43,479
Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$40,485
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$37,424
Chemistry.	Bachelor	$37,424
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.	Bachelor	$34,793
Social Sciences, Other.	Bachelor	$33,993

View all 37 programs →

Campus Life

Bradford sits in rural northwestern Pennsylvania, about two hours from Pittsburgh and Buffalo. You'll definitely need a winter coat here, as snow blankets the campus from December through March. With housing capacity for 1,085 students and total enrollment of 980, nearly everyone lives on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class. Weekend options revolve around outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby Allegheny National Forest or attending Panthers athletic events. The campus serves as the social center since Bradford is a small town with limited nightlife. Students often gather in residence halls or attend campus programming. With 193 total athletes across 12 varsity sports, about one in five students competes in NCAA Division III athletics. The rural setting means you'll rely on campus activities and close friendships rather than city attractions. Snow days sometimes cancel classes, giving students impromptu sledding and snowball fight opportunities on the hilly campus.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 1,085 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	4	4	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 12°–30°F
July Avg: 54°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 92.7"
Annual Snowfall: -631.8"

Student Demographics

The University of Pittsburgh-Bradford draws students who want a close-knit college experience without the pressure of highly competitive admissions. With a 94% acceptance rate, the school welcomes students with solid but not strong test scores. Two-thirds of students come from Pennsylvania, showing the campus has built a strong regional reputation. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families in rural Pennsylvania. The student body is more diverse than many small towns, creating a community where students from different backgrounds learn together in a supportive environment.

Men: 46.0%
Women: 54.0%
White: 66.7%
Black: 11.6%
Hispanic: 7.4%
Asian: 4.0%
In-State Students: 66.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 46.0%

Location

Bradford sits in northwestern Pennsylvania, about 80 miles southeast of Buffalo and 180 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. This town of roughly 8,000 residents nestles in the Allegheny Mountains near the New York border. The campus occupies 317 acres in a rural setting where outdoor recreation dominates student life. With 980 students, Pitt-Bradford creates a close-knit atmosphere in Pennsylvania's lumber and natural gas country. The nearest shopping and dining options require short drives to nearby towns. Winter sports and hiking trails provide year-round activities in this forested region. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare University of Pittsburgh-Bradford with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bradford, Pennsylvania 16701

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $66,125
Median Earnings (5 years): $69,754
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $44,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 75.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford?

The acceptance rate is 93.55%, making it highly accessible for prospective students. This liberal arts college focuses on providing personalized education rather than being highly selective. With an average SAT score of 1088, the school welcomes students with a range of academic backgrounds.

How much does University of Pittsburgh-Bradford cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $16,630, lower than the published tuition rates. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,352 on average. Nearly half of students (46%) receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford?

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention. With only 980 total students enrolled, this creates an intimate academic environment. The school operates as part of the University of Pittsburgh system while maintaining the feel of a small liberal arts college.

What are the graduation rates at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford?

The six-year graduation rate is 43.40%, while the four-year rate is 42.49%. Despite these lower completion rates, graduates earn a median salary of $66,125 ten years after graduation. The retention rate of 61.25% suggests students face challenges adapting to the rural Pennsylvania setting.

Where is University of Pittsburgh-Bradford located and what is campus life like?

The campus is located in Bradford, Pennsylvania, in a remote town setting that offers a close-knit community atmosphere. Housing capacity accommodates 1,085 students, more than the current enrollment of 980. With 12 NCAA Division III varsity sports and 193 total athletes, the Panthers compete in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.

Does University of Pittsburgh-Bradford offer good job prospects after graduation?

The employment rate is 95.6%, indicating strong job placement success for graduates. Median earnings one year after graduation start at $49,721, growing to $66,125 after ten years. The loan repayment rate of 75.26% with monthly payments averaging $257 suggests manageable debt levels for most graduates.