University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pitt) vs Berkeley

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant intellectual landscapes of two prestigious universities: University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus and University of California-Berkeley. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their unique characteristics. Delve into our comprehensive comparison to discover the nuances that set these universities apart. Explore the contrasting acceptance rates, unravel the diverse spectrums of popular majors, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of student body demographics, and uncover the paths that lead to exceptional graduation rates. Our side-by-side analysis empowers you to make an informed decision, aligning your aspirations with the university that best resonates with your academic pursuits and personal growth.

	University of California-Berkeley	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Overview
Location	Berkeley, California	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	City: Midsize	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	96.0%	93.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	14.4%	66.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	N/A	1250 - 1470
ACT range	N/A	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score		49.0%
Students submitting ACT score		16.0%
Total number of applicants	112,843	34,656
Total number of admissions given out	16,295	23,109
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,931	4,875
Yield rate	42.5%	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: $37,920 Out of state: $67,674	In state: $36,394 Out of state: $51,426
Average net price	$17,652	$22,996
Tuition	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196	In state: $19,092 Out of state: $34,124
Room & board	$20,236	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)	52.0% Average amount $21,406	74.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	15.0% Average amount $4,586	51.0% Average amount $5,334
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $7,122	12.0% Average amount $19,190

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	31,814 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%	23,885 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Graduate students	13,222 Men 51.7% Women 48.3%	9,345 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	16.9%	39.6%
International students	18.0%	8.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,630	8,760
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California New Jersey Texas Virginia New York	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Legal Profession Health Professions	Health Professions Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	92.8%	84.3%
Dropout rate	6.3%	3.0%
Transferred out	N/A	12.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $171,936 Year 3: $191,597 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $167,052 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $125,250 Year 2: $125,388 Year 3: $161,399 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $126,367 Year 2: $128,868 Year 3: $160,666 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $160,390 Year 2: $142,470 Year 3: $143,984 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $119,358 Year 3: $143,516 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $107,442 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $112,973 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $74,750 Year 2: $91,363 Year 3: $104,601 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,600 Year 2: $85,760 Year 3: $103,738 Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,282 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $102,543	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 UC Berkeley?

Pitt is located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a vibrant urban area with a mix of academic, residential, and cultural spaces. The campus itself is integrated into the city, offering easy access to museums, restaurants, and entertainment. UC Berkeley, on the other hand, is situated in Berkeley, California, a city known for its progressive politics and intellectual atmosphere. The campus has a more distinct, self-contained feel, with iconic architecture and expansive green spaces, while still being close to the city of San Francisco.
How do the academic programs at Pitt and UC Berkeley compare?

Both universities are highly regarded for their academic excellence. UC Berkeley is particularly strong in STEM fields, including computer science, engineering, and the natural sciences, as well as humanities and social sciences. Pitt also excels in STEM, especially in medicine and health sciences, and has strong programs in areas like law and business. The specific strengths of each program will vary, so it's important to research the departments and faculty within your field of interest at both universities.
What is the cost of attendance like at Pitt versus UC Berkeley?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies. Generally, UC Berkeley, as a public university, offers lower tuition rates for in-state residents compared to Pitt. However, out-of-state tuition at UC Berkeley can be significantly higher. Both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help offset the cost of attendance. It's recommended to check the specific tuition and fee schedules on each university's website and explore financial aid options.
How would you describe the student life and campus culture at Pitt and UC Berkeley?

Pitt offers a lively campus culture with a strong emphasis on school spirit, particularly around athletics. The university has a diverse student body and a wide range of student organizations and activities. UC Berkeley is known for its politically active student body and a culture of intellectual curiosity and social activism. The campus environment is generally more laid-back and focused on academic pursuits, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Both universities offer a vibrant social scene, with opportunities for students to connect and engage.
What are the research opportunities like at Pitt and UC Berkeley?

Both universities are major research institutions with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UC Berkeley is renowned for its cutting-edge research across various disciplines, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and renowned faculty. Pitt also has a strong research focus, particularly in health sciences, and offers numerous research opportunities through its various schools and institutes. The availability of specific research opportunities will depend on your field of study and your initiative in seeking them out.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare at Pitt and UC Berkeley?

Both universities have robust career services departments that provide resources for students and alumni, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job postings. UC Berkeley's location in the San Francisco Bay Area provides access to a large and diverse job market, particularly in technology and innovation. Pitt's location in Pittsburgh offers opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can provide valuable networking and career support.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity like at Pitt and UC Berkeley?

UC Berkeley is generally considered to be more selective than Pitt. Both universities require a strong academic record, including a rigorous high school curriculum, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and letters of recommendation. UC Berkeley often places a greater emphasis on extracurricular activities and demonstrated leadership. Admission requirements and selectivity can vary from year to year, so it's essential to review the specific requirements on each university's admissions website.
How does the weather and climate differ between Pittsburgh and Berkeley?

Pittsburgh experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Berkeley enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The weather in Berkeley is generally more consistent and less extreme than in Pittsburgh, making it a popular destination for those who prefer a more temperate climate.
Are there any specific programs or areas of study where one university excels over the other?

While both are excellent universities, UC Berkeley is particularly renowned for its programs in Computer Science, Engineering, and the Humanities. Pitt is exceptionally strong in Health Sciences, Medicine, and related fields. It's crucial to research the specific departments and faculty within your intended major at both universities to determine which best aligns with your academic goals.
What are the housing options like at Pitt and UC Berkeley?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. UC Berkeley has a more competitive housing market, and securing on-campus housing can be challenging. Pitt offers a range of residence halls and apartments, and the surrounding Oakland neighborhood provides numerous off-campus housing choices. The availability and cost of housing will vary, so it's important to research your options and apply early.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Berkeley

University of Arizona