University of Virginia-Main Campus (UVA) vs University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pitt)

When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. The University of Virginia-Main Campus and the University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, both esteemed institutions, offer distinct experiences. With an acceptance rate of 26% and a graduation rate of 94%, UVA boasts a competitive and academically rigorous environment. In contrast, Pitt's acceptance rate of 58% and graduation rate of 82% reflect a more accessible and diverse student body. While UVA excels in popular majors like biology, economics, and psychology, Pitt shines in engineering, business, and nursing. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details and discover which university aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus	University of Virginia-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	Charlottesville, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Small
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	93.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	66.7%	20.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1250 - 1470	1380 - 1500
ACT range	28 - 33	32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	49.0%	52.0%
Students submitting ACT score	16.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	34,656	47,971
Total number of admissions given out	23,109	9,951
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,875	3,889
Yield rate	21.1%	39.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $36,394 Out of state: $51,426	In state: $36,314 Out of state: $70,696
Average net price	$22,996	$20,401
Tuition	In state: $19,092 Out of state: $34,124	In state: $16,010 Out of state: $49,710
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,880 Meal plan: $4,940	Room/dormitory: $7,110 Meal plan: $5,550
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	74.0% Average amount $12,822	46.0% Average amount $19,612
Students receiving federal student loan	51.0% Average amount $5,334	25.0% Average amount $4,845
Students taking out private loans	12.0% Average amount $19,190	6.0% Average amount $11,030

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	23,885 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%	17,294 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students	9,345 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%	8,711 Men 46.9% Women 53.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	39.6%	35.2%
International students	8.4%	8.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	8,760	7,645
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia	Virginia New York Maryland Pennsylvania New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies Public Administration and Social Service	Business Health Professions Engineering Social Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	84.3%	93.7%
Dropout rate	3.0%	2.3%
Transferred out	12.0%	3.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $185,710 Year 2: $162,255 Year 3: $193,013 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $157,071 Year 2: $155,263 Year 3: $176,237 Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,350 Year 2: $101,406 Year 3: $125,729 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $103,426 Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $120,362 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,239 Year 2: $95,739 Year 3: $109,956 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,639 Year 2: $92,077 Year 3: $108,272 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,682 Year 2: $90,146 Year 3: $101,904 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,602 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $95,939 Systems Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,487 Year 2: $82,808 Year 3: $94,931 Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,807 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $84,597

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Virginia (UVA) and the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt)?

UVA is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, a historic city with a strong connection to American history and a more rural feel compared to Pitt. The UVA campus is known for its beautiful architecture and a more traditional collegiate atmosphere. Pitt is situated in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a vibrant urban environment with a diverse student body and easy access to city amenities, cultural attractions, and professional opportunities. Pitt's campus is integrated into the city, offering a more modern and bustling feel.
How do the academic programs and strengths compare at UVA and Pitt?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UVA is particularly strong in its humanities, law, business, and engineering programs. It emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation. Pitt excels in medicine, health sciences, engineering, and computer science. Pitt also has a strong focus on research and offers numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary studies. The specific program strengths will vary, so it's best to research the departments that interest you most at each university.
What is the cost of attendance like at UVA and Pitt, and how does financial aid compare?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies. Generally, UVA offers lower tuition rates for in-state students compared to Pitt, which is a state-related institution. Out-of-state tuition costs are often comparable. Both universities offer financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. It's recommended to compare the net cost after financial aid based on your individual circumstances by using the net price calculators on each university's website.
How would you describe the student life and extracurricular activities at UVA and Pitt?

Student life at UVA is characterized by a strong sense of tradition, with a vibrant Greek life, a focus on honor, and a wide array of student organizations. UVA offers a more residential campus experience. Pitt has a diverse student body and a more urban campus environment. Pitt offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, including a strong emphasis on athletics, particularly in basketball and football. Both universities provide ample opportunities for students to get involved and build community.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity levels for UVA and Pitt?

Both UVA and Pitt are selective universities. UVA generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate and higher average standardized test scores compared to Pitt. Admission requirements typically include a strong high school transcript, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT - though policies are changing), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Both universities consider a holistic review of applicants, taking into account extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and demonstrated interest. It's important to check the specific requirements and deadlines on each university's admissions website.
How do career services and internship opportunities differ between UVA and Pitt?

Both universities offer robust career services to assist students with career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement. UVA's career services often leverage its strong alumni network and connections in fields like law, business, and government. Pitt's location in Pittsburgh provides access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in healthcare, technology, and engineering, as well as connections to major corporations in the region. The specific career paths and industries that are most accessible will depend on your chosen major and career goals.
What are the housing options like at UVA and Pitt?

UVA offers a primarily residential campus experience, with a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional dorms, apartments, and residential colleges. The university emphasizes a strong sense of community within its residential system. Pitt offers a mix of on-campus and off-campus housing options. On-campus housing includes dorms and apartments, while off-campus options are readily available in the surrounding Oakland neighborhood. Pitt's housing options cater to a diverse student body with varying preferences and budgets.
How would you describe the overall culture and atmosphere at UVA and Pitt?

UVA is known for its strong sense of tradition, honor, and a focus on the liberal arts. The campus environment is often described as collegial and intellectually stimulating. Pitt has a more diverse and urban atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and a more practical approach to education. The culture is generally more fast-paced and integrated with the city of Pittsburgh. The best fit depends on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a college experience.

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