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Florida State University vs University of Pittsburgh

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

25.0% FSU acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$68,956 FSU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

FSU
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
46,944
Setting
Urban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition FSU saves $15,649
FSU
$21,683
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate FSU more selective
FSU
25.0%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Same
FSU
83%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Pitt higher
FSU
1310
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Pitt higher
FSU
$59,800
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric FSU Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$21,683$37,332FSU
Tuition (In-State)$6,517$21,080FSU
Room & Board$12,040$13,630FSU
Acceptance Rate25.0%42.0%FSU
Graduation Rate83%83%Tie
Average SAT13101370Pitt
Student-Faculty Ratio21:114:1Pitt
Enrollment46,94434,163-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$15,600Pitt
Starting Salary$59,800$64,600Pitt
Endowment$1.1B$5.6BPitt
Campus Size1,427 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: FSU = $85,292 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

FSU Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
FSUUrban
PittUrban
Campus Size
FSU1,427 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
FSUNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
FSUSouth
PittNortheast
Founded
FSU1851
Pitt1787
Enrollment
FSU46,944
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSU or Pitt harder to get into?+
FSU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 25.0% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, FSU or Pitt?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $203,848). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. FSU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for FSU and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at FSU is 1310 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 FSU or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Pitt have a higher average starting salary ($64,600 vs $59,800). 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?+
FSU has a 21:1 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 FSU and Pitt compare for campus life?+
FSU is located in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with a 1,427-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. FSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.