College Comparison
Penn State vs University of Pittsburgh: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more — updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
School
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Penn State | Pitt |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 54.2% | 49.7%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1220–1400 | 1270–1450wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–32 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,188 | $39,890wins |
| Avg Net Price | $32,598 | $30,074wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $66,125wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.7%wins | 84.3% |
| Retention Rate | 92.0% | 92.4%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 13:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 41,862wins | 20,189 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Pitt edges out Penn State on 8 of 10 measurable categories — including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Graduation Rate: 85.7%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
Pitt Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 49.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1270–1450
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–33
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,890
Want a deeper comparison?
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