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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus are both public institutions — Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus in University Park, PA and University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus in Pittsburgh, PA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
University Park, PA · Public
Acceptance rate: 60.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 42,284
Tuition: $41,790/year
Student-faculty ratio: 16.0:1
Graduation rate: 86.1%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Computer science
Best for: Students who want a public campus in University Park, PA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
Pittsburgh, PA · Public
Acceptance rate: 58.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 20,370
Tuition: $41,430/year
Student-faculty ratio: 13.0:1
Graduation rate: 85.5%
Top programs: Health professions, Engineering, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Pittsburgh, PA with published program strength in Health professions and Engineering.
| Factor | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 60.6% | 58.1% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | 1240–1420 | 1280–1460 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 27–32 | 29–33 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 42,284 | 20,370 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $41,790/year | $41,430/year |
| Average net price after aid | $32,875 | $30,434 |
| Graduation rate | 86.1% | 85.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $63,435 | $66,125 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 16.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | University Park, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Engineering, Computer science | Health professions, Engineering, Biological sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (60.6% vs 58.1%). University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus has a lower average net price after grant aid ($30,434 vs $32,875). Both report a similar graduation rate (86.1%). Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the larger undergraduate campus (42,284 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60.6%; University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is around 58.1%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus tuition is $41,790/year. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is $41,430/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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