University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

49.1%Acceptance

$21,524Tuition

20,189Students

84%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$66,125Earnings

#6 in PennsylvaniaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

This research powerhouse educated Jonas Salk, who developed the polio vaccine, and pop art icon Andy Warhol. The university enrolls 20,189 students in Pennsylvania's second-largest city and built its reputation on groundbreaking medical research and strong engineering programs. Nearly half of applicants get accepted with an average SAT score of 1375. The school's medical center anchors one of the nation's top health science complexes.

Students pay an average net price of $30,074 after financial aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,007. Graduates earn a median salary of $66,125 ten years after college with typical debt of $24,250. Monthly loan payments average $257, making this a solid financial investment. The 84% graduation rate reflects strong student support in a challenging academic environment.

Panthers compete in 15 Division I sports with $19 million in athletic scholarships available. The student body tilts 58% female with strong representation from Pennsylvania residents at 59%. A 92% retention rate means most freshmen stick around, helped by a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The employment rate hits 96%, reflecting Pittsburgh's growing tech and healthcare job market.

Academics & Faculty

Pitt operates as a major research university where undergraduates work alongside faculty conducting groundbreaking medical and scientific research. The school's medical programs consistently rank among the nation's top, building on Jonas Salk's legacy of developing the polio vaccine here. Engineering and public health programs draw students nationwide for their rigorous coursework and research opportunities. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention despite the university's size. The 84% graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems that help students navigate challenging pre-med, engineering, and research tracks. Students benefit from access to strong laboratories and medical facilities throughout Pittsburgh's thriving healthcare corridor.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 78.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 84.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 84.3%
Retention Rate: 92.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $66,125
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences.	Certificate	$220,906
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies.	Master	$172,991
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$136,434
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$108,012
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Master	$99,174
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Doctoral	$90,572
Biomedical/Medical Engineering.	Doctoral	$83,546
Dentistry.	Doctoral	$83,177
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$81,702
Mechanical Engineering.	Master	$81,702

View all 420 programs →

Campus Life

Pitt's campus sits directly in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, placing students in the heart of a major city with easy access to internships and cultural attractions. With housing capacity for 8,860 students but total enrollment of 20,189, about 44% of students live on campus. The iconic Cathedral of Learning dominates the skyline at 535 feet tall, serving as both classroom building and campus landmark.

Pittsburgh winters demand heavy coats and boots, with snow lasting from December through March. Students often gather in the Cathedral's nationality rooms or head to nearby South Side for weekend entertainment. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class discussions even at this research university of over 20,000 students. Basketball games at the Petersen Events Center draw passionate crowds, especially when facing rival Penn State. Students frequently explore the Strip District's markets or catch Pirates games downtown. The city's bridges and rivers create dramatic views, while the compact campus keeps everything walkable despite the urban setting.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 8,860 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	23	3	0	10
Stalking	22	6	1	0
Rape	14	9	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	13	0	0	3
Fondling	10	2	1	2
Burglary	6	6	0	0
Dating Violence	4	3	0	1
Robbery	5	0	1	2
Domestic Violence	2	1	1	2
Arson	2	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–37°F
July Avg: 64°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.6"
Annual Snowfall: 25.0"

Student Demographics

Pitt draws primarily from Pennsylvania and the broader mid-Atlantic region, with 59% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the university's strong pre-professional programs, particularly in health sciences and engineering. Women make up 58% of enrollment, partly due to robust nursing and public health programs. Asian students comprise 15% of the population, well above national averages, drawn by Pitt's research reputation and medical school pipeline. The relatively low Pell Grant rate of 14% suggests the university attracts middle and upper-middle class families who value its urban research environment and career outcomes.

Men: 42.1%
Women: 57.9%
White: 61.0%
Black: 5.5%
Hispanic: 6.8%
Asian: 14.9%
In-State Students: 58.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 13.8%

Location

Pitt sits in Pennsylvania's second-largest city, where 58.75% of the student body comes from in-state. Pittsburgh transforms from its steel mill past into a tech and healthcare center that perfectly matches the university's research mission. The city's neighborhoods like Oakland and Shadyside give students urban amenities while maintaining walkable college-friendly areas. With over 300,000 residents, Pittsburgh offers internships at major corporations like Heinz and UPMC that often hire Pitt graduates earning a median salary of $66,125 ten years after graduation. The Appalachian foothills provide outdoor recreation just outside the city limits. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare University of Pittsburgh with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus campus

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-Pittsburgh Campus?

Pitt admits 49.14% of applicants, making it moderately selective among public research universities. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1280 and 1470 on the SAT, reflecting the academic caliber of students drawn to its well-known medical and engineering programs.

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

The average net price is $30,074, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,007 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full out-of-state tuition of $39,890.

What academic programs is University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus known for?

Pitt excels in medicine, engineering, and public health as a major research university. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students get substantial access to professors conducting groundbreaking research, particularly in health sciences where the university has built its strongest reputation.

What do graduates earn after attending University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?

Ten years after graduation, Pitt alumni earn a median salary of $66,125. The strong employment rate of 95.6% reflects the university's reputation among employers, particularly in healthcare, technology, and engineering fields throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

Where do students live at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?

The university houses 8,860 students in residence halls throughout Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood. Campus sits in the heart of a large city, giving students access to internships, cultural attractions, and the active Steel City atmosphere that defines the Pitt experience.

Does University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus have notable alumni?

Pitt has produced remarkable graduates including Jonas Salk, who developed the polio vaccine, and pop artist Andy Warhol. The university's 20,189 students follow in the footsteps of NFL quarterback Dan Marino and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon, reflecting the diverse paths available at this major research institution.