College Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
University Park, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Total Enrollment
50,737
35,724
Undergrad Enrollment
42,604
25,900
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
13:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
58.1%
Average GPA
3.87
3.89
SAT Range
1240–1420
1280–1460
ACT Range
27–32
29–33
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$55
Total Applicants
88,478
60,898
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$33,380
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$24,338
Tuition (In-State)
$19,286
$19,760
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,102
$36,000
Room & Board
$15,044
$13,620
% Receiving Aid
37.0%
53.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$16,494
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
84.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
71.0%
70.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
92.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$66,125
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Explore by Location
Penn State is in University Park, PA
Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is in Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $27,450 per year, compared to $24,338 at Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus. Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is $3,112 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus typically score between 1240-1420 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, the typical SAT range is 1280-1460. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%, while Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus has a graduation rate of 84%. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus has a ratio of 13:1. Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 37% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,336. At Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $16,494.
The median earnings for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,435, compared to $66,125 for Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduates. Graduates from Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA in a city: small setting. Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is located in Pittsburgh, PA in a city: large setting.

