Pennsylvania State University vs University of Pittsburgh: A Data-Driven Comparison
Admission Difficulty
Pittsburgh holds a slight edge in selectivity with a 49.14% acceptance rate compared to Penn State's 55.21%. Both schools maintain strong academic standards, with Pittsburgh accepting roughly 6% fewer applicants.
Cost and Value
Pittsburgh offers better financial value with an average net price of $30,074 versus Penn State's $32,598. In-state students pay $21,524 at Pittsburgh compared to $20,234 at Penn State, while out-of-state costs are nearly identical ($39,890 vs $40,188). Graduates from Pittsburgh earn higher median salaries at $66,125 after 10 years compared to Penn State's $63,435, with slightly lower debt loads ($24,250 vs $25,000).
Academic Strengths
Pittsburgh provides more personalized attention with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio versus Penn State's 15:1. Both institutions maintain similar retention rates (92.4% vs 91.95%) and graduation rates (84.3% vs 85.7%), indicating comparable academic support systems.
Campus Experience
Penn State offers a larger campus community with 41,862 students compared to Pittsburgh's 20,189, providing more extensive alumni networks and school spirit traditions. Both compete in NCAA Division I athletics. Pittsburgh's urban setting in a major city contrasts with Penn State's classic college town atmosphere.
Outcomes
Both schools deliver strong career outcomes, though Pittsburgh graduates earn approximately $2,700 more annually with lower debt burdens.
Students seeking a traditional large university experience with extensive school traditions should consider Penn State, while those preferring smaller classes, urban opportunities, and higher earning potential may find Pittsburgh more suitable.
Admission Difficulty
Pittsburgh holds a slight edge in selectivity with a 49.14% acceptance rate compared to Penn State's 55.21%. Both schools maintain strong academic standards, with Pittsburgh accepting roughly 6% fewer applicants.
Cost and Value
Pittsburgh offers better financial value with an average net price of $30,074 versus Penn State's $32,598. In-state students pay $21,524 at Pittsburgh compared to $20,234 at Penn State, while out-of-state costs are nearly identical ($39,890 vs $40,188). Graduates from Pittsburgh earn higher median salaries at $66,125 after 10 years compared to Penn State's $63,435, with slightly lower debt loads ($24,250 vs $25,000).
Academic Strengths
Pittsburgh provides more personalized attention with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio versus Penn State's 15:1. Both institutions maintain similar retention rates (92.4% vs 91.95%) and graduation rates (84.3% vs 85.7%), indicating comparable academic support systems.
Campus Experience
Penn State offers a larger campus community with 41,862 students compared to Pittsburgh's 20,189, providing more extensive alumni networks and school spirit traditions. Both compete in NCAA Division I athletics. Pittsburgh's urban setting in a major city contrasts with Penn State's classic college town atmosphere.
Outcomes
Both schools deliver strong career outcomes, though Pittsburgh graduates earn approximately $2,700 more annually with lower debt burdens.
Students seeking a traditional large university experience with extensive school traditions should consider Penn State, while those preferring smaller classes, urban opportunities, and higher earning potential may find Pittsburgh more suitable.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 55.2% | 49.1% |
| SAT Average | 1,300 | 1,375 |
| Enrollment | 41,862 | 20,189 |
| In-State Tuition | $20,234 | $21,524 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,188 | $39,890 |
| Net Price | $32,598 | $30,074 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.7% | 84.3% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0% | 92.4% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,435 | $66,125 |
| Median Debt | $25,000 | $24,250 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Industrial Engineering. | $69,835 | ||
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | $69,221 | ||
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $68,918 | ||
| Chemical Engineering. | $68,422 | ||
| Computer Science. | $67,202 | ||