University of Pittsburgh vs George Washington University

University of Pittsburgh vs George Washington University

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The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), also located in Pittsburgh, is a large public research university with about 28,000 students enrolled. The admissions process is selectively moderate with an acceptance rate of around 50%. Pitt’s flagship programs are Medicine, Public Health, Engineering, and Philosophy. The graduation rate is about 83–85% and graduates generally earn early career salary of around INR 42–48 lakhs annually ($50,000–57,000).

George Washington University (GWU) is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. and has about 26,000 students. It is more selective with about a 44% acceptance rate. Popular programs include International Affairs, Political Science, Law, Business, and Public Health. The graduation rate is approximately 82–84% of students. Graduates usually have early career earnings of INR 48–54 lakhs ($57,000–64,000) annually.

Overview Comparison
University of PittsburghGeorge Washington University
Collegedunia Score6 Out of 105.1 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 156 Times Higher Education 2026
# 281 QS World University 2026
# 84 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 201 Times Higher Education 2026
# 358 QS World University 2026
# 201 Times Higher Education 2025
Subject Strength# 43 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 49 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 79 for Law by US News 2025
# 74 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 176 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 31 for Law by US News 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -91
PG Programs -47
Doctorate Programs -7
UG Programs -71
PG Programs -67
Acceptance Rate49.7 %44.0 %
Exam ScoreGMAT-580
IELTS-7
SAT-1260
TOEFL-80
IELTS-6.5
SAT-1280
TOEFL-99
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   32656
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  40848
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 15844 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   59780
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  32250
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 27500 Per Year
placement (average package)

Graduate employability rankings (2020)- #190-200
Highest paid degrees- MBA $115,000.
BSc- $90,000
MSc- $85,000
Master (other)- $80,000
BA- $65,000


Engineering graduates earn an average pay of $123,238. Median salary of undergraduate programs is $50k. 96% of the students get employed or continue their education. 


application requirements

Submit short-question answers provided by the university. If you wish to apply for the Honors program submit Pitt Honors consideration. Submit self-reported academic records. 

Submit official transcripts

Submit scores of standardized tests

Submit English language proficiency

Check program specific requirements

Campuses and B-SchoolsJoseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh
NA
CollegeDunia Reviews7.9/10 Read 6 reviews6.7/10 Read 10 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 46 for Business by US News 2025
# 251 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 401 for Business by QS World University 2025
# 97 for Business by QS World University 2026
# 61 for Business by US News 2025
# 101 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
exam scoresDuolingo - 135/160IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120Duolingo - 110/160GRE - 314/340IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -54632
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesOct 15, 2025 (Early Advantage Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Jan 1, 2026 (Round 1 Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Apr 1, 2026 (Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
May 1, 2026 (Scholarship Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Mar 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Mar 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of PittsburghGeorge Washington University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1908
1821
Student:Faculty Ratio14:1
12:1
Male:Female49% Male, 51% Female40% Male, 60% Female
Location Facts

The university is located in Oakland neighborhood. The campus is Schenley Plaza, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Art, Carnegie Public Library, and Carnegie Music Hall. Carnegie Mellon and Carlow University and Carlow University.  


GW has three fully integrated campuses in the Washington, D.C. area. These are the Foggy Bottom Campus, the Mount Vernon Campus, and the Virginia Science and Technology Campus


Library

Total collection comprises of Print books- 3,484,436. Ebooks-  1,748,499. Print journals- 108,837. E-journals- 280,450. The total collection engagement of university library systems is 9,977,452. Research repository of the library systems is 2,253,516. 


Libraries that are part of the university includes the flagship Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library on the main campus in Foggy Bottom, Eckles Library on the Mount Vernon Campus in Northwest DC.


Campus Life

You can indulge in various students organizations & clubs, fraternity & sorority life, intramural & recreation, The Pitt News (student-run), WPTS-FM (student-run radio station), and Pitt Arts when on-campus. LGBTQ, graduate and International students have their own communities to join. 25 locations on-campus offer a wide range of food delicacies. You can volunteer with the office of Pittserve.


Living at GW grants you the rare opportunity to encounter a variety of new cultural experiences while learning and interning at world-class institutions. Residence hall life is an essential aspect of your college experience, and some of your lifelong friends will first be your neighbors and roommates. During your time at GW, you’ll likely find fellow students who share your interests. Whether it's leadership, politics, arts and culture, athletics or service that moves you, GW students engage in more than 450 clubs and student organizations on campus. Pursuing your passions and sharing your diversity plays an integral role in building our community. University's open dining plan provides flexibility and personalization, offering you the opportunity to use yours at more than 80 dining and grocery partners on or near the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses, and around the city. 


Hostel#Rooms - $10950
#Room & Board (including Meals) - $2447
#On campus - $13000
#Off campus (not with family) - $13000
#Off campus (with family) - $1500
City Life

Pittsburgh is 66th largest city in the USA and 2nd largest in Pennsylvania in terms of population. The picturesque city lies at the junction of three rivers which not only has some glided sites but also has both football and baseball stadiums. Popularly known as the Steel City; the Unemployment rate in June 2020 was 12.6%; Mining and logging, construction and manufacturing are the largest employing non-farm sectors of the city. 


The Washington, D.C., metro area has the perks of a large urban area. It's serviced by an extensive public transit system and is home to plenty of restaurants, performance venues, museums, public parks and other cultural sites. Meanwhile, each neighborhood in the district and its surrounding towns has its own atmosphere. Residents gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks and converse at coffee shops, creating an ambiance similar to that of a much smaller community. Living in the district is expensive. The median home sale price is significantly higher than the national median. Your cost of living also depends on where in the metro area's four quadrants you choose to live.


Weather
Comparison Notes

University of Pittsburgh vs George Washington University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is typically placed in the global top 200–250, with a particular strength in Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Engineering, and Business. George Washington University (GWU) is generally found in the global top 300–350, where it is well-known for its strong programs in International Affairs, Political Science, Business, Law and Public Policy. Pitt is stronger in healthcare, medical research, and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), while GWU has a reputation for political science, international relations and public affairs due to its location in Washington, D.C.

General Information

Pitt is a public research university founded in 1787 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with an enrollment of roughly 28,000 students. It operates a large medical center, with substantial and varied research activity, providing what one would think of as a full-service public university. GWU was founded in 1821 and now has roughly 27,000 students, providing an urban private college experience. Its location in the nation's capital also provides students in government and international organizations an opportunity for unique access to government agencies, international organizations, and globe internships. 

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Pitt's acceptance rate is roughly 50% which is moderately selective, with some degree of competition to get accepted into Nursing, Medicine, and Engineering. GWU has a more selective acceptance rate of around 44%, with competition for International Affairs, Political Science, and Business programs. Pitt provides broad access for the most part, although there is some degree of competition for programs, especially Nursing and STEM areas. GWU is more focused on high achieving students and students interested in urban and global career experience.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both would be categorized as R1 research intensives. Pitt is well known for its medical research, public health, bioengineering, nursing, etc., with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) leading the way. GWU specializes in political science, public policy, international relations, law, and business research, and because it is located in Capitol Hill, there are ample opportunities to partner with government, NGOs, and think tanks. In the area of national prominence, Pitt has the edge, especially with healthcare and STEM, while GWU edges out in government, public policy, and professional social sciences.

Cost & Financial Aid

The cost of attendance, including tuition, is lower at Pitt, where international tuition ranges from $30,000 to $36,000. In comparison, GWU averages $60,000 in international tuition. Also, the cost of living in Pittsburgh is relatively lower than D.C. Most universities offer some combination of merit- and need-based scholarships. However, GWU has especially targeted awards for students interested in public policy, international affairs, and business. Pitt has offer a strong aid structure for healthcare and STEM.

Career Destinations & Graduates' Success

Pitt graduates typically leverage regional affiliations in seeking and finding positions in healthcare, research, engineering, and business. Many graduates connect with the UPMC, medical community, or another regional university affiliated partnership. GWU graduates are typically graduates that work in government, international development organizations, law, business, and policy. Each of the universities offers very different regional collaborations, as well as potential employment, and student engagement or connection opportunities. Overall, Pitt offers more regional and national connections while GWU offers more possibly global connections for graduates interested in working, politically, diplomatically, and policy induced careers.