Pennsylvania State University vs University of Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania State University vs University of Pittsburgh

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Penn State and Pitt are well-known public research universities ranked among the R1 institutions with very high research activity. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Penn State ranks 82th whereas Pitt is approximately around 281th. In accordance with Times Higher Education 2025, Penn State ranks approximately near 101st, and Pitt is approximately near 113th. Penn State is particularly strong in Engineering, Business, and Computer Science, while Pitt is particularly strong in Health Sciences (particularly medicine), Psychology, and Philosophy.

General Information

Penn State's University Park campus enrolls approximately ~ 50,000 students (all campuses), whereas Pitt has a total campus enrollment of approximately ~ 33,700. Penn State operates around 275 undergraduate and more than 200 graduate programs; Pitt's Oakland campus sustains approximately 95 undergraduate and 110 graduate programs, with special strength in professional and health schools. Penn State's multi-campus system provides it with statewide reach, whereas Pitt's urban location in Pittsburgh provides good hospital, clinical, and industry links.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both universities' admissions are fairly competitive, with Penn State having an acceptance rate of around 54% and Pitt around 49%. Ranges of standardized test scores (when provided) are a bit higher for Pitt (SAT ~ 1280-1470) compared to Penn State (~ 1210-1410). Both institutions are test-optional in most admission situations, with a focus on high school GPA, rigor of courses. Penn State receives more applicants, and yield (percent of admitted students attending) is approximately 18%.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both are R1 research universities with very high research activity. Penn State's research spending outpaces many peer institutions, with good programs in Engineering, Materials Science, Agriculture, and broad interdisciplinary research on its numerous campuses. Pitt leads especially in Medical and Health Sciences research, enabled by world-class clinical facilities (such as UPMC), large teaching hospitals, and a broad library and academic research infrastructure.

Cost & Financial Aid

Penn State in-state tuition is approximately US$19,835, out-of-state approximately US$41,126. Pitt in-state tuition is approximately US$22,272, out-of-state approximately US$42,102. Net price (what students actually pay after grants/scholarships) is slightly higher at Penn State than at Pitt, although both provide significant financial aid. Pitt has a higher level of grant aid and possibly higher percentages of students receiving substantial aid, particularly in professional/clinical programs, due to its hospital/medical affiliations.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Achievement

Pitt's alumni have a bit higher median salaries after graduation (e.g. ~ US$69,754 five years later) than Penn State's relatively lower but also good post-graduation earnings (~ US$72,964 for Penn State in the same time periods in some studies). Penn State has an extremely large and diversified alumni base, particularly strong in Engineering, Business, and Agriculture; Pitt is strongest in Medicine, Health Professions, and research careers. Penn State's six-year graduation rate (86%) just narrowly surpasses Pitt's (84%), but Pitt's location in the city and the clinical/industry affiliations offer great internship, job placement, and professional school opportunities shortly upon graduation.