At $30,074/yr net price, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduates earn $66,125/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,125/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,074 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $120,296 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,125/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,125/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 84.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,007/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,397/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,179/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,931/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,824/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $80,061 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $108,012 | $41,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $99,174 | $113,974 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $90,572 | $49,367 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Doctoral | $83,546 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $83,177 | $235,835 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $81,702 | $58,970 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $81,702 |
The Risk Factor
84.3% of students at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Pittsburgh delivers solid financial returns through its professional programs, but outcomes vary dramatically by major. The school's median earnings of $66,125 provide reasonable returns on the $30,074 annual net price, particularly given Pittsburgh's lower cost of living.
Your major choice determines everything at Pitt. Dentistry and medical programs produce strong earnings, with dentistry graduates averaging $220,906 annually. Nursing stands out as a particularly strong value, generating $136,434 in median earnings with relatively manageable debt of $80,061. Pharmacy graduates earn $108,012 with moderate debt loads of $41,000.
Allied health programs present a concerning risk-reward profile. Despite strong earnings of $99,174, graduates carry crushing debt loads averaging $113,974. This debt-to-income ratio makes these programs financially questionable unless you have significant family support or scholarships.
Pitt works best financially if you can access its top-tier professional programs or if you qualify for significant need-based aid. The school's low percentage of students receiving aid (13.78%) suggests limited financial assistance for middle-income families. You should have a clear path to high-earning programs or strong financial backing before enrolling.
Liberal arts and general business majors should carefully evaluate alternatives. Without access to Pitt's medical pipeline, the premium pricing may not justify the returns compared to other Pennsylvania public options. The school's 84% graduation rate helps minimize the risk of dropping out with debt and no degree.
Pittsburgh's job market supports healthcare and technology careers well, making Pitt's professional focus a regional advantage. Your career trajectory depends heavily on program selection rather than the university's overall reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus worth the cost?
Pitt offers strong value with median debt of $24,250 and 10-year earnings of $66,125, making it manageable for most graduates. The health science programs justify the cost with much higher salaries, while liberal arts majors may struggle more with the return on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
Dentistry leads at $220,906 median earnings, followed by medical studies at $172,991 and nursing at $136,434. These health science programs significantly outperform the overall school average and justify higher education costs.
How much student debt do University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $24,250, which is reasonable compared to the $66,125 average earnings after 10 years. This debt-to-income ratio makes Pitt more affordable than many comparable universities.
Does University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus have good financial aid?
With a net price of $30,074 per year, Pitt provides decent financial aid that brings costs below sticker price for most students. The relatively low median debt suggests aid packages help keep borrowing manageable.