University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pitt) vs Rice University

When it comes to higher education, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus and Rice University stand out as two exceptional institutions with distinct offerings. With an acceptance rate of 58%, Pitt welcomes a diverse student body, while Rice's highly selective admissions process results in an acceptance rate of just 10%. Both universities boast strong academic programs, with popular majors ranging from engineering and business to social sciences and humanities. While Pitt's larger student body creates a vibrant and bustling campus, Rice's smaller size fosters a close-knit community. With graduation rates of 84% and 94% respectively, both universities prioritize student success and ensure that their graduates are well-prepared for their future careers. To help you make an informed decision about your educational journey, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting the key differences between these two esteemed universities. Dive into the details and discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Rice University	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Overview
Location	Houston, Texas	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	97.0%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	9.5%	66.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1490 - 1570	1250 - 1470
ACT range	34 - 35	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	46.0%	49.0%
Students submitting ACT score	29.0%	16.0%
Total number of applicants	29,544	34,656
Total number of admissions given out	2,802	23,109
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,226	4,875
Yield rate	43.8%	21.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$71,745	In state: $36,394 Out of state: $51,426
Average net price	$18,521	$22,996
Tuition	$52,070	In state: $19,092 Out of state: $34,124
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,100 Meal plan: $4,700	Room/dormitory: $6,880 Meal plan: $4,940
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	61.0% Average amount $51,036	74.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	9.0% Average amount $4,982	51.0% Average amount $5,334
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $24,340	12.0% Average amount $19,190

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,247 Men 51.5% Women 48.5%	23,885 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Graduate students	4,038 Men 63.9% Women 36.1%	9,345 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	56.1%	39.6%
International students	25.5%	8.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,533	8,760
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Texas California New York Florida Illinois	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Computer and Information Science Social Sciences Physical Science	Health Professions Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	6:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	92.3%	84.3%
Dropout rate	6.9%	3.0%
Transferred out	N/A	12.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $122,770 Year 2: $129,481 Year 3: $145,256 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $128,659 Year 2: $127,993 Year 3: $134,258 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,801 Year 2: $83,915 Year 3: $92,763 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $87,989 Year 2: $72,884 Year 3: $81,590 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,400 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $76,594 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $49,840 Year 3: $61,295 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $50,231 Year 3: $59,421 Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,232 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $52,284 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,009 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $46,363 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,474 Year 2: $30,119 Year 3: $45,615	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $220,906 Year 3: $231,651 Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $191,732 Year 2: $172,991 Year 3: $167,114 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $123,211 Year 2: $136,434 Year 3: $139,418 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $73,006 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $119,626 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $91,548 Year 2: $108,012 Year 3: $119,626 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,381 Year 2: $99,174 Year 3: $104,969 Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $88,815 Year 2: $90,572 Year 3: $98,136 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,499 Year 2: $81,333 Year 3: $92,231 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,120 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $89,317 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $79,727 Year 3: $79,626

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between the University of Pittsburgh and Rice University?

The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is located in the vibrant Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering a large, urban campus experience integrated within a bustling city. Rice University, on the other hand, is situated on a more secluded, tree-lined 300-acre campus in the Museum District of Houston, Texas, providing a more traditional, self-contained college environment. Pitt offers the amenities and opportunities of a major city, while Rice provides a more intimate and focused campus atmosphere.
How do the academic reputations of the University of Pittsburgh and Rice University compare?

Both universities are highly regarded academically, but Rice University is generally considered more selective and prestigious, particularly in STEM fields. Rice consistently ranks among the top 20 universities nationally, known for its strong engineering, natural sciences, and architecture programs. The University of Pittsburgh is also a strong research university, especially known for its medical school and health sciences programs, and ranks well nationally, though typically not as high as Rice.
What is the difference in undergraduate enrollment size between Pitt and Rice?

The University of Pittsburgh has a significantly larger undergraduate population than Rice University. Pitt typically enrolls around 19,000 undergraduate students, while Rice has a much smaller undergraduate student body of approximately 4,000. This difference in size impacts class sizes, campus culture, and the availability of resources.
How do the costs of attending the University of Pittsburgh and Rice University compare?

The cost of attendance can vary depending on residency and financial aid packages. Generally, Rice University's sticker price might be higher, but they also have a generous financial aid program. The University of Pittsburgh, as a state-related institution, offers lower tuition rates for Pennsylvania residents. It's crucial to compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) for each university based on your individual financial circumstances.
What are the strengths of the University of Pittsburgh?

The University of Pittsburgh excels in health sciences, medicine, and related fields. It boasts a renowned medical school and strong research programs in areas like organ transplantation and neuroscience. Pitt also offers a wide range of undergraduate programs and benefits from its location in a major city, providing ample internship and career opportunities.
What are the strengths of Rice University?

Rice University is particularly strong in STEM fields, including engineering, natural sciences, and computer science. It also has a highly regarded architecture program. Rice is known for its small class sizes, close-knit community, and emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities. Its location in Houston provides access to the energy industry and other major sectors.
How do the student cultures differ between Pitt and Rice?

The University of Pittsburgh has a more diverse student body and a more traditional college town feel, with a strong emphasis on school spirit and athletics. Rice University has a more academically focused and collaborative student culture, with a unique residential college system that fosters a strong sense of community. Rice is known for its quirky traditions and emphasis on student involvement.
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at each university?

Both the University of Pittsburgh and Rice University offer a variety of financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and student loans. Rice University is known for its commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for eligible students. The University of Pittsburgh also offers a range of scholarships and financial aid packages, including the Pitt Success Grant. It's best to visit each university's financial aid website for specific details and eligibility requirements.
What career opportunities are available to graduates of Pitt and Rice?

Graduates from both universities have access to a wide range of career opportunities. The University of Pittsburgh's location in Pittsburgh provides access to industries such as healthcare, technology, and finance. Rice University's location in Houston offers opportunities in the energy sector, aerospace, and medicine. Both universities have strong career services departments that assist students with internships, job placement, and career counseling.
How do the residential college systems compare at Pitt and Rice?

Rice University has a unique residential college system, where undergraduates are affiliated with one of eleven residential colleges, fostering a strong sense of community and providing social and academic support. The University of Pittsburgh does not have a residential college system in the same way. While Pitt offers various housing options, the residential experience is not as central to the student experience as it is at Rice.
What are the acceptance rates for the University of Pittsburgh and Rice University?

Rice University is significantly more selective than the University of Pittsburgh. Rice typically has an acceptance rate below 10%, making it highly competitive. The University of Pittsburgh has a higher acceptance rate, generally around 50-60%, making it more accessible to a wider range of applicants. These rates can fluctuate year to year, so it's best to check the most recent data on each university's website.
Which university is better for pre-med students?

Both universities offer strong pre-med programs, but the 'better' choice depends on individual preferences. The University of Pittsburgh's proximity to UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), a leading healthcare system, provides unparalleled research and clinical opportunities. Rice University, while not directly affiliated with a major hospital system on campus, has strong science programs and research opportunities, and its smaller size allows for more personalized attention and mentorship. Consider your preferred learning environment and access to specific resources when making your decision.

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