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Brown University vs University of Pittsburgh

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

5.0% Brown acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$129,496 Pitt cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Brown
Providence, Rhode Island
Private
Founded
1764
Enrollment
10,696
Setting
Urban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $28,324
Brown
$65,656
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Brown more selective
Brown
5.0%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Brown higher
Brown
96%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Brown higher
Brown
1530
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Brown higher
Brown
$77,400
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Brown Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$65,656$37,332Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$65,656$21,080Pitt
Room & Board$17,680$13,630Pitt
Acceptance Rate5.0%42.0%Brown
Graduation Rate96%83%Brown
Average SAT15301370Brown
Student-Faculty Ratio6:114:1Brown
Enrollment10,69634,163-
Avg Financial Aid$52,820$15,600Brown
Starting Salary$77,400$64,600Brown
Endowment$6.6B$5.6BBrown
Campus Size146 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Brown
$333,344
4-year total (private)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Brown = $122,064 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Brown Top Majors

Computer ScienceEconomicsBiologyApplied MathematicsHistory

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
BrownUrban
PittUrban
Campus Size
Brown146 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
BrownNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
BrownNortheast
PittNortheast
Founded
Brown1764
Pitt1787
Enrollment
Brown10,696
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brown or Pitt harder to get into?+
Brown is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.0% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Brown or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $333,344). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Brown offers an average of $52,820/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Brown and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at Brown is 1530 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 Brown or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Brown have a higher average starting salary ($77,400 vs $64,600). 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?+
Brown has a 6:1 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 Brown and Pitt compare for campus life?+
Brown is located in Providence, Rhode Island (urban setting) with a 146-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. Brown competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.