University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pitt) vs Stony Brook

When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus and Stony Brook University, both reputable public research universities, offer distinct experiences. With an acceptance rate of 58% and a 6-year graduation rate of 82%, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus attracts a diverse student body, with 19% international students and 13% African American students. On the other hand, Stony Brook University boasts a slightly higher acceptance rate of 62% and a 6-year graduation rate of 79%. Its student body is equally diverse, with 18% international students and 14% African American students. Both universities offer a wide range of popular majors, including Engineering, Business, and Biological Sciences. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions' costs, financial aid, student life, and other key factors that can help you make an informed decision about

	Stony Brook University	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Overview
Location	Stony Brook, New York	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	89.0%	93.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	48.1%	66.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $100	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1300 - 1480	1250 - 1470
ACT range	29 - 33	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	37.0%	49.0%
Students submitting ACT score	6.0%	16.0%
Total number of applicants	38,826	34,656
Total number of admissions given out	18,659	23,109
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,416	4,875
Yield rate	18.3%	21.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	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	In state: $34,187 Out of state: $52,107	In state: $36,394 Out of state: $51,426
Average net price	$16,445	$22,996
Tuition	In state: $7,070 Out of state: $24,990	In state: $19,092 Out of state: $34,124
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,908 Meal plan: $5,590	Room/dormitory: $6,880 Meal plan: $4,940
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	73.0% Average amount $10,370	74.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	37.0% Average amount $4,942	51.0% Average amount $5,334
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $15,080	12.0% Average amount $19,190

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	17,999 Men 48.9% Women 51.1%	23,885 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Graduate students	8,609 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	9,345 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	11.3%	39.6%
International students	13.3%	8.4%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	10,420	8,760
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania Mississippi	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Computer and Information Science Education Business	Health Professions Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	77.7%	84.3%
Dropout rate	7.8%	3.0%
Transferred out	13.4%	12.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $107,469 Year 2: $114,892 Year 3: $132,337 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $62,815 Year 2: $72,320 Year 3: $117,786 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $112,109 Year 2: $101,964 Year 3: $110,440 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,682 Year 2: $105,661 Year 3: $107,071 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,837 Year 2: $76,170 Year 3: $96,347 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,511 Year 2: $85,898 Year 3: $90,858 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,326 Year 2: $69,577 Year 3: $80,624 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $70,272 Year 2: $73,606 Year 3: $78,333 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,983 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $77,989 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,148 Year 2: $60,523 Year 3: $77,613	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 Stony Brook University?

The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is located in the vibrant Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an urban environment with a strong connection to the city's cultural and academic institutions. The campus itself is integrated into the city, offering easy access to museums, restaurants, and entertainment. Stony Brook University, on the other hand, is situated on Long Island, New York, providing a more suburban campus experience. While still accessible to New York City, Stony Brook offers a more self-contained campus environment with a focus on green spaces and a less intensely urban feel.
How do the academic programs compare at Pitt and Stony Brook?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Pitt is particularly well-known for its strong programs in medicine, law, engineering, and the humanities. Stony Brook excels in areas like medicine, engineering, computer science, and marine sciences. The specific strengths of each institution may align better with your individual academic interests. Research the specific departments and programs within your field of study at each university to determine the best fit.
What is the cost of attendance like at the University of Pittsburgh versus Stony Brook University?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary. Generally, as a public university, Stony Brook University offers a more affordable tuition rate for in-state residents compared to the University of Pittsburgh, which is a state-related institution. However, out-of-state tuition at both institutions can be comparable. Financial aid packages, scholarships, and living expenses will also influence the overall cost. It's essential to compare the net cost after financial aid for each university based on your individual circumstances.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between the two universities?

Pitt's student life is characterized by a strong sense of school spirit, with a vibrant social scene and numerous student organizations. The campus is very active, with events and activities constantly taking place. Stony Brook offers a diverse student body and a more relaxed campus atmosphere. It has a strong focus on research and academics, with a variety of student clubs and organizations catering to different interests. The social scene at Stony Brook is present, but may not be as intensely focused on campus-wide events as at Pitt.
What are the research opportunities like at the University of Pittsburgh and Stony Brook University?

Both universities are research-intensive institutions, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research. Pitt has a strong emphasis on medical and health-related research, leveraging its affiliation with UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). Stony Brook is a major research university with strengths in areas like marine science, physics, and engineering, and benefits from its proximity to Brookhaven National Laboratory. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your field of study, so it's important to explore the faculty and research centers within your chosen department at each university.
How do the admission requirements and selectivity compare?

Both universities are considered selective, but the specific admission requirements and acceptance rates may vary slightly. Both institutions consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies are common), extracurricular activities, and essays. The University of Pittsburgh generally has a slightly higher selectivity rate than Stony Brook. It's important to review the specific admission requirements for each university and ensure you meet the necessary criteria.
What are the career services and alumni networks like at each university?

Both universities offer robust career services to assist students with career planning, internships, and job placement. Pitt's location in Pittsburgh provides access to a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance. Stony Brook's proximity to New York City and its strong programs in STEM fields offer excellent career opportunities. Both universities have active alumni networks that can provide valuable networking and mentorship opportunities. Research the specific career services offered by each university to determine which best aligns with your career goals.
How does the availability of on-campus housing differ?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. Pitt has a variety of residence halls and apartment-style living options, with a focus on integrating students into the campus community. Stony Brook also provides a range of housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. The availability of on-campus housing may vary depending on the year and demand, so it's important to apply early and understand the housing guarantee policies of each university.
Which university is better for a student interested in a specific major, such as engineering or pre-med?

Both universities have strong programs in various fields. For engineering, both Pitt and Stony Brook offer reputable programs. For pre-med, both universities have strong pre-med advising and connections to medical schools. Pitt's location in a major medical hub provides unique opportunities. Stony Brook's medical school is also highly regarded. The best choice depends on the specific program, faculty, and research opportunities that align with your interests. Research the specific departments and programs within your field of study at each university to determine the best fit.
How do the athletic programs and extracurricular activities compare?

Pitt is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has a strong athletic program with a focus on Division I sports, including football and basketball. Stony Brook competes in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and offers a variety of Division I sports. Both universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs, organizations, and recreational sports. The specific activities and athletic programs available will vary, so it's important to explore the offerings of each university to determine which best suits your interests.

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