University of Pittsburgh Tuition and Fees

By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 04/2023)

Total Cost of Attendance

Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is a well regarded public research institution with numerous accolades. In 2021, the university was ranked the number-one public university in the Northeast by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings.

The University of Pittsburgh tuition for Pennsylvania residents was $21,080 in 2022-23. This is approximately double the national average of $10,940 for in-state tuition at public institutions. For out-of-state residents, Pitt tuition was $37,320, which is higher than the national average of $28,240 for out-of-state residents. Fortunately, there is Pitt financial aid available.

Costs for 2022-2023

Financial Aid

The majority of students, 78%, receive some form of Pitt financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, or a combination.

Explore financial aid options: Pennsylvania Student Loan & Scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, and financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  Scholarship Search Tool

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

Of those who take out student loans, 51% have federal loans and 12% have private student loans to help cover the University of Pittsburgh cost. The private loans average $19,190.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school throughout the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The University of Pittsburgh cost for four years, based on 2022-23 numbers, would be $148,112 for Pennsylvania students. This is substantially higher than the average tuition and all costs of public universities of $106,760 for in-state students.

For residents of other states, the four-year cost would be $213,072, which is also higher than the national average of $175,960 for out-of-state tuition and other expenses.

Here’s some Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

The combined cost of Pitt tuition and fees plus room and board for in-state students was $33,440 in 2022-23. The cost was $49,680 for residents of other states.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2022-23

University of Pittsburgh tuition and fees for graduate school was $26,142 for state residents and $43,504 for those from out of state.

There are many options for graduate loans that can help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

The cost per credit hour for in-state part-time students was $1,003 in 2022-23. The cost was $1,728 for non-Pennsylvania residents.

Campus Housing Expenses

Costs for 2022-23

*Based on one-bedroom pricing. Average rate based on available apartments on the University of Pittsburgh’s off-campus housing website in 2023.

At Pitt, freshmen can live on campus in first-year dorm-style housing. Upperclassmen have the option to live in apartment-style residences, gender-inclusive housing, or off-campus. .

University of Pittsburgh Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021

The acceptance rate at the University of Pittsburgh was 67% in 2021.

Admission Requirements

Here’s what you’ll need to apply to the University of Pittsburgh.

Required:

•  Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)

•  Letter of recommendation

Recommended:

•  Personal statement (this is required to be considered for scholarships; otherwise, it’s recommended)

•  SAT or ACT scores

Good news for prospective students: Pitt operates on a rolling admission schedule, which means there are no deadlines to apply.

SAT and ACT Scores

The University is currently test-optional (through fall 2025). Here are the standardized test scores at the 25th and 75th percentile.

Popular Majors at University of Pittsburgh

With more than 100 undergraduate degree options, you’ll have plenty to choose from when deciding what to study at the University of Pittsburgh. These are the most popular majors.

1. Psychology

Psychology students learn how to apply analytical and research skills in a variety of real-world experiences like field placement, directed research, or a teaching assistantship. Coursework covers areas such as Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Health, and Social Psychology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 407

2. Nursing

Nursing majors will study Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, Nursing Management, and more. They’ll also work in clinical settings to gain real-world experience in the field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 309

3. Biological Sciences

Students in this program dive into topics like Ecology, Genetics, Biochemistry, and Chemistry. This helps prepare them to work in biological and pharmaceutical supply industries, biological or medical research, scientific libraries, scientific journalism, and other fields.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 266

4. Finance

Finance majors get access to the Financial Analysis Laboratory, a 3,000-square-foot facility that simulates the trading floor of an investment bank or financial firm. Using the analytical tools and strategies they’ve learned, students make real-time financial decisions.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 209

5. Computer Science

Computer Science students can choose to focus their studies on Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Data Science, Security, or High-Performance Systems. They’ll also participate in internships and research opportunities.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 200

6. Marketing

Those pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing will take such classes as Marketing Research, Principles of Selling, Public Relations Management, Digital and Social Media Marketing, Services Marketing, and Electronic Commerce.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 184

7. Neuroscience

After getting a foundation in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics, students in this program go on to take courses like Intro to Neuroscience, Brain and Behavior, Functional Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 181

8. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering students study Probability & Statistics For Engineers, Engineering Economic Analysis, Automatic Controls, Mechatronics, Principles of Electromechanical Sensors and Actuators, Digital Control Systems, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 164

9. Rehabilitation Science

In this program, you’ll study Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Research Methodology, Neuroscience, Disability Rights, among other courses. You also have the option to specialize in Assistive Technology, Pathokinesiology, or Psycho-Social Issues in Rehabilitation and Personal Care.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 143

10. Economics

The University of Pittsburgh offers several degrees in Economics, including a BA in Economics, as well as a BS in Economics-Statistics, Economics-Business, or Mathematics-Economics. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects.

Undergraduate degrees in 2020-21: 133

Graduation Rate

Here are the graduation rates at Pitt.

•  4 years: 69%

•  6 years: 84%

•  8 years: 84%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Students earning a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh can expect to earn, on average, $57,961 per year. This is higher than the average of $47,922 a year for graduates of public universities in the U.S.