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Auburn University vs University of Pittsburgh

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

75.0% Auburn acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$19,512 Auburn cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Auburn
Auburn, Alabama
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
33,015
Setting
Suburban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Auburn saves $4,288
Auburn
$33,044
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Pitt more selective
Auburn
75.0%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Pitt higher
Auburn
78%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Pitt higher
Auburn
1270
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Pitt higher
Auburn
$60,200
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Auburn Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,044$37,332Auburn
Tuition (In-State)$12,168$21,080Auburn
Room & Board$13,040$13,630Auburn
Acceptance Rate75.0%42.0%Pitt
Graduation Rate78%83%Pitt
Average SAT12701370Pitt
Student-Faculty Ratio19:114:1Pitt
Enrollment33,01534,163-
Avg Financial Aid$11,600$15,600Pitt
Starting Salary$60,200$64,600Pitt
Endowment$1.1B$5.6BPitt
Campus Size1,841 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Auburn
$184,336
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Auburn = $137,936 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Auburn Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyNursingAgriculture

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AuburnSuburban
PittUrban
Campus Size
Auburn1,841 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
AuburnNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
AuburnSouth
PittNortheast
Founded
Auburn1856
Pitt1787
Enrollment
Auburn33,015
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn or Pitt harder to get into?+
Pitt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 42.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Auburn or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Auburn costs less over 4 years ($184,336 vs $203,848). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Auburn offers an average of $11,600/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Auburn and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at Auburn is 1270 and at Pitt it is 1370. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Auburn or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Pitt have a higher average starting salary ($64,600 vs $60,200). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Auburn has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Pitt has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Auburn and Pitt compare for campus life?+
Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,841-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. Auburn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.