Overview
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is a moderately selective public four-year institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school accepts 49.1% of applicants and enrolls 20,189 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 49.1%
- Average SAT
- 1,375
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,280–1,470
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 20,189
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Pitt operates on rolling admissions, so submit your application early in the cycle when more spots remain available and scholarship funds haven't been depleted. Your application gets reviewed as soon as it arrives complete, not in comparison to the entire applicant pool later.
The Honors College requires a separate application with additional essays, but acceptance comes with priority registration, smaller seminars, and research opportunities starting freshman year. Apply even if your stats feel borderline - the program considers your full profile beyond test scores alone.
Strong applications highlight specific connections to Pittsburgh's research opportunities. Mention particular labs, professors, or projects you want to pursue rather than generic statements about wanting to do research. Engineering applicants should reference Pitt's co-op program, which places students at companies like Google and Boeing for paid work experience.
Your essays should address why you chose your specific school within Pitt - the Swanson School of Engineering, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, or others each have distinct cultures and opportunities. Don't write broadly about "Pitt" when you're applying to a particular program.
The campus sits in Oakland, integrated directly into the city rather than isolated in a college bubble. You'll walk past Carnegie Mellon students, hospital workers, and city residents daily. Students who want a traditional enclosed campus experience might feel overwhelmed by the urban environment.
Pitt students tend to be practical and career-focused while still social. The Cathedral of Learning becomes your study hub, and you'll likely live off-campus after freshman year in surrounding neighborhoods like Shadyside or Squirrel Hill.
Don't submit generic essays about wanting to attend a "strong research university." Instead, connect your interests to specific Pitt resources like the Center for Creativity or Study Abroad programs. The admissions office reads thousands of essays about academic excellence - yours needs concrete details that show you've researched what makes Pitt distinct from other large public research universities.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $30,074/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $21,524
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $39,890
- Students Receiving Aid
- 14%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 84.3%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $66,125/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 92.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
University of Pittsburgh requires either SAT or ACT scores for freshman admission. Test-optional policies are not currently in place for most applicants.
What is the application deadline for University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
The regular decision deadline is typically January 15. Early decision and early action options may have earlier deadlines in November.
Can I transfer to University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus from another college?
Yes, University of Pittsburgh accepts transfer students. Transfer applicants need college transcripts and may need SAT/ACT scores depending on credit hours completed.
What are the strongest academic programs at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
The university is particularly known for its health science programs, including dentistry, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy. Engineering and business programs are also well-regarded.