Acceptance Rate
97%
Avg. SAT
1180
75th percentile
“A creative hub in downtown Pittsburgh where arts and innovation collide with urban energy.”
Pittsburgh, PA
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
Tucked into the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Point Park University stands out as a private institution with a deep-rooted passion for the arts and a gritty, urban edge. Founded in 1960, it emerged from a business training college into a dynamic university focused on creativity and professional skills, reflecting the Steel City’s own story of reinvention. Its campus isn’t a sprawling green quad but a collection of buildings woven into the fabric of downtown, placing students steps away from theaters, galleries, and bustling city streets.
This isn’t a school for those craving a traditional, isolated college bubble; it’s for self-starters who thrive in a fast-paced, real-world environment. You’ll find a tight-knit community of about 2,900 undergraduates, many of whom are drawn to the arts, media, or business, and who aren’t afraid to hustle for internships or gigs in a city brimming with opportunity. The tradeoff is that the urban setting means less of a defined campus feel—think concrete over courtyards—and you might need to adjust to navigating city life, from parking challenges to public transit.
Pittsburgh itself is a character in Point Park’s story, with its industrial history, thriving cultural scene, and affordable cost of living compared to other major cities. The university leverages its location with partnerships in the local arts community and access to professional networks. However, the city’s weather can be a slog, with gray winters and unpredictable rain, so students should be ready to bundle up and embrace the moodiness of the region.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
Point Park University carves out its niche with a strong emphasis on the performing arts, media, and communication, making it a go-to for students dreaming of careers on stage, behind the camera, or in the newsroom. The Conservatory of Performing Arts is the heartbeat of the academic scene, offering rigorous training in dance, theater, and musical theater, often with direct connections to Pittsburgh’s vibrant cultural institutions. You can expect hands-on learning, whether you’re staging a production or interning at a local media outlet, with faculty who often double as industry professionals bringing real-world insights to the classroom.
Beyond the arts, programs in business, education, and criminal justice hold their own, though they don’t carry the same spotlight. Class sizes tend to be small, fostering personal attention, but some introductory courses or general education requirements might feel less tailored. A potential challenge is that with a smaller university, certain specialized resources or niche majors might be limited, so if you’re undecided or seeking something highly technical, you might need to weigh whether Point Park’s focused strengths align with your goals.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
2,337 undergrad • 1,111 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
67%
Black / African American
14%
Hispanic / Latino
9%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
8%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Pittsburgh, PA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Life at Point Park pulses with the rhythm of downtown Pittsburgh, where the campus blends seamlessly into the city’s urban grid. You’ll spend your days darting between classes in high-rise buildings and grabbing coffee at nearby spots, with the social scene often spilling into local theaters, diners, or the Cultural District just blocks away. Student life revolves around creative expression—think impromptu rehearsals in common areas or late-night brainstorming for film projects—though the university also hosts events like guest artist workshops and campus showcases to build community.
Residential life offers a mix of modern dorms and apartment-style housing, but space can be tight, and not everyone is guaranteed on-campus options, especially as an upperclassman. The vibe leans artsy and driven, less about big sports tailgates and more about collaboration on creative projects, though the lack of a traditional campus can make it harder to forge spontaneous connections. Add in Pittsburgh’s damp, chilly winters, and you’ll need resilience to balance the city’s challenges with its endless inspiration.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Mountain East Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$18,916
$30K – $48K
$20,436
$48K – $75K
$21,758
$75K – $110K
$25,868
$110K+
$29,583
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
74%
4 Years Graduation Rate
56%
6 Years Graduation Rate
64%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$45,856
74% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Point Park University and return in the fall. 56% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 64% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
56%
4-6 years
8%
Non-grad
36%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$34,880
Acceptance
97%
Undergrads
2,337
4-Year Grad Rate
56%
Endowment
$26M
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1984