University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pitt) vs University at Buffalo (UB)

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 University at Buffalo are two distinct universities with unique offerings. With acceptance rates of 58% and 49%, respectively, both universities offer competitive admissions. While University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus boasts a larger student body, University at Buffalo has a higher graduation rate. Explore the comparison table to delve into further details, including popular majors, student body demographics, and more, to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University at Buffalo	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Overview
Location	Buffalo, 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	83.0%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	70.1%	66.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1180 - 1360	1250 - 1470
ACT range	25 - 31	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	29.0%	49.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%	16.0%
Total number of applicants	30,750	34,656
Total number of admissions given out	21,552	23,109
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,309	4,875
Yield rate	20.0%	21.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not 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: $30,240 Out of state: $48,160	In state: $36,394 Out of state: $51,426
Average net price	$17,954	$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: $8,952 Meal plan: $6,500	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)	71.0% Average amount $8,810	74.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	45.0% Average amount $5,071	51.0% Average amount $5,334
Students taking out private loans	8.0% Average amount $13,892	12.0% Average amount $19,190

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	21,467 Men 54.3% Women 45.7%	23,885 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Graduate students	10,865 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%	9,345 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	3.2%	39.6%
International students	18.3%	8.4%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	7,711	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 Pennsylvania Connecticut Florida	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Computer and Information Science Education Social Sciences	Health Professions Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	73.8%	84.3%
Dropout rate	8.7%	3.0%
Transferred out	16.4%	12.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $140,469 Year 2: $159,761 Year 3: $146,042 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $70,533 Year 2: $67,772 Year 3: $132,503 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,335 Year 2: $104,510 Year 3: $123,979 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,109 Year 2: $61,020 Year 3: $82,514 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,415 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $78,884 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,859 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $76,613 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,249 Year 2: $61,078 Year 3: $75,877 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,773 Year 2: $66,653 Year 3: $75,097 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,581 Year 2: $59,350 Year 3: $74,704 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,797 Year 2: $59,485 Year 3: $72,822	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 (Pitt) and the University at Buffalo (UB)?

Pitt is located in the vibrant Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering a more urban and integrated campus experience with easy access to city amenities, cultural attractions, and a lively student scene. UB, on the other hand, is situated in Amherst, New York, a suburban environment with a larger, more spread-out campus. UB provides a more traditional college town feel with a focus on green spaces and a slightly less intense urban atmosphere.
How do the academic programs at Pitt and UB compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. Pitt is particularly strong in areas like medicine, law, engineering, and the humanities. UB excels in engineering, architecture, pharmacy, and business. The specific strengths of each program can vary, so it's crucial to research the departments and faculty within your intended major at both institutions to determine the best fit for your academic goals.
What is the cost of attendance like at Pitt versus UB?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, can vary. Generally, for out-of-state students, both universities have similar tuition costs. However, in-state tuition at UB is significantly lower than at Pitt, making UB a more affordable option for New York residents. It's essential to check the most current tuition and fee information on each university's website and factor in living expenses, which can also vary depending on the location and lifestyle.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between Pitt and UB?

Pitt's student life is characterized by a strong sense of school spirit, with a focus on athletics, particularly football and basketball. The campus is very active, with numerous student organizations and events. UB offers a more diverse student body and a broader range of extracurricular activities. While UB also has a strong athletic program, the campus culture is often described as more relaxed and less intensely focused on sports compared to Pitt. Both universities offer a wide variety of clubs, organizations, and social events to cater to diverse interests.
What are the research opportunities like at Pitt and UB?

Both universities are research-intensive institutions with significant research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Pitt has a strong emphasis on biomedical research, leveraging its proximity to UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). UB also has a robust research program, particularly in engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your chosen field of study, so it's recommended to explore the research interests of faculty within your department at both universities.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare?

Both universities provide comprehensive career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Pitt benefits from its location in a major city with numerous employment opportunities in various industries. UB also has a strong career services department and a well-established alumni network, particularly in the Northeast. The strength of the alumni network can be a valuable asset for networking and career advancement, so consider the size and reach of the alumni base in your field of interest at each university.
Which university is better for a student who prefers a more urban environment?

The University of Pittsburgh is the better choice for students who prefer a more urban environment. Its location in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh provides easy access to city amenities, cultural attractions, and a vibrant student scene. The campus is integrated into the city, offering a dynamic and engaging urban experience.
Which university is better for a student seeking a more affordable in-state tuition?

The University at Buffalo is the better choice for students seeking a more affordable in-state tuition. UB offers significantly lower tuition rates for New York residents compared to the University of Pittsburgh.
How do the campus sizes and layouts differ?

Pitt has a more compact campus layout, making it easy to navigate on foot. UB has a larger, more spread-out campus, which may require more walking or the use of campus transportation. The layout of the campus can influence the overall feel and accessibility of resources and facilities.
What are the athletic programs like at Pitt and UB?

Both universities have Division I athletic programs. Pitt competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), while UB competes in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Pitt's athletic programs, particularly football and basketball, often receive more national attention. Both universities offer a variety of sports and opportunities for student involvement in athletics, whether as a participant or a spectator.

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