University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pitt) vs CU-Boulder

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, and nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado Boulder stand as two distinct academic powerhouses. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer unique experiences shaped by their distinct locations, student demographics, and academic strengths. With acceptance rates of 58% and 81%, respectively, these universities cater to different levels of competitiveness. Dive into our comprehensive comparison table to explore the nuances that set these institutions apart, from their popular majors and student body diversity to their graduation rates and notable alumni. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, and embark on a journey toward your educational dreams.

	University of Colorado Boulder	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Overview
Location	Boulder, Colorado	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	87.0%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	79.6%	66.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1170 - 1390	1250 - 1470
ACT range	25 - 31	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	32.0%	49.0%
Students submitting ACT score	16.0%	16.0%
Total number of applicants	54,756	34,656
Total number of admissions given out	43,576	23,109
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,785	4,875
Yield rate	15.6%	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: $29,725 Out of state: $55,543	In state: $36,394 Out of state: $51,426
Average net price	$22,532	$22,996
Tuition	In state: $10,728 Out of state: $36,546	In state: $19,092 Out of state: $34,124
Room & board	$15,220	Room/dormitory: $6,880 Meal plan: $4,940
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	53.0% Average amount $9,214	74.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	27.0% Average amount $4,986	51.0% Average amount $5,334
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $24,094	12.0% Average amount $19,190

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	30,886 Men 54.8% Women 45.2%	23,885 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Graduate students	8,114 Men 57.8% Women 42.2%	9,345 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	48.8%	39.6%
International students	7.1%	8.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	7,500	8,760
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Colorado California Texas Illinois New York	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Communication and Journalism Visual & Performing Arts Legal Profession	Health Professions Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	74.0%	84.3%
Dropout rate	8.6%	3.0%
Transferred out	15.9%	12.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,752 Year 2: $116,679 Year 3: $121,033 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $118,373 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,907 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $108,458 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,254 Year 2: $89,641 Year 3: $97,860 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,200 Year 2: $75,706 Year 3: $92,272 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,191 Year 2: $80,503 Year 3: $87,258 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,023 Year 2: $75,204 Year 3: $86,676 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,804 Year 2: $75,921 Year 3: $85,563 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $75,633 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $85,039 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,440 Year 2: $71,957 Year 3: $83,132	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 the University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is located in the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a vibrant city with a strong emphasis on industry, technology, and healthcare. Its campus is integrated into the urban landscape, offering students easy access to city amenities and professional opportunities. The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), on the other hand, is situated in Boulder, Colorado, a city known for its outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and thriving tech scene. CU Boulder's campus is more self-contained and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, providing a more traditional college town experience.
How do the academic reputations of the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Colorado Boulder compare?

Both universities are highly regarded, but they have different areas of strength. The University of Pittsburgh is particularly strong in health sciences, medicine, engineering, and philosophy. It's known for its research output and strong ties to the UPMC healthcare system. The University of Colorado Boulder excels in aerospace engineering, physics, environmental science, and journalism. It's also a major research university with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
What is the typical cost of attendance for both universities, and what financial aid options are available?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status and program. Generally, the University of Pittsburgh's tuition is lower for Pennsylvania residents, while CU Boulder's tuition is lower for Colorado residents. Both universities offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. It's best to visit their respective financial aid websites to get personalized estimates based on your financial situation and academic profile. Be sure to explore both merit-based and need-based aid opportunities.
What are the popular majors at each university, and which one might be better for specific fields of study?

At the University of Pittsburgh, popular majors include Nursing, Business, Engineering, Biology, and Psychology. Pitt is a great choice if you're interested in healthcare-related fields. At the University of Colorado Boulder, popular majors include Engineering, Business, Journalism, Environmental Science, and Psychology. CU Boulder is a strong option if you're interested in aerospace, environmental studies, or journalism.
How do the student life and campus culture differ between the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Pittsburgh offers a vibrant urban student life with a focus on academics, research, and professional development. There are numerous student organizations, cultural events, and opportunities to engage with the city of Pittsburgh. The University of Colorado Boulder offers a more outdoorsy and recreational student life, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities, sustainability, and social activism. There are many opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor pursuits. Both universities have active Greek life and a wide range of clubs and organizations.
What are the admission requirements and acceptance rates for both universities?

Both universities have selective admission processes. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though many programs are test-optional), essays, and letters of recommendation. Acceptance rates vary from year to year, but generally, the University of Pittsburgh's acceptance rate is slightly higher than the University of Colorado Boulder's. Check each university's admissions website for the most up-to-date information on requirements and acceptance rates.
What career services and alumni networks are available at each university?

Both the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Colorado Boulder offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, internship opportunities, and job fairs. Both universities also have strong alumni networks that can provide valuable connections and mentorship opportunities. Pitt's alumni network is particularly strong in the Mid-Atlantic region, while CU Boulder's alumni network is strong in the Mountain West and on the West Coast.
How do the research opportunities compare between the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Colorado Boulder?

Both universities are major research institutions with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The University of Pittsburgh has a strong focus on biomedical research, engineering, and social sciences. The University of Colorado Boulder has a strong focus on aerospace engineering, physics, environmental science, and renewable energy. Students at both universities can participate in research projects with faculty members, present their findings at conferences, and publish their work in academic journals.
What are the surrounding cities like, and how do they impact the student experience?

Pittsburgh is a revitalized city with a growing tech industry, a thriving arts and culture scene, and affordable living costs. Students at Pitt benefit from access to internships, cultural events, and a diverse range of restaurants and entertainment options. Boulder is a smaller city known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and progressive culture. Students at CU Boulder enjoy easy access to hiking trails, ski resorts, and a vibrant downtown area with a focus on sustainability and healthy living.
What are some unique programs or opportunities offered by each university that might sway my decision?

The University of Pittsburgh offers a unique program called the University Honors College, which provides exceptional students with enriched academic experiences and research opportunities. Pitt also has a strong study abroad program with opportunities in many countries. The University of Colorado Boulder offers a unique program called the Engineering Honors Program, which provides exceptional engineering students with advanced coursework and research opportunities. CU Boulder also has a renowned space program and offers opportunities to work on NASA-funded projects.

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