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Indiana University Bloomington vs University of Pittsburgh

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

80.0% IU acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$2,880 Pitt cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

IU
Bloomington, Indiana
Public
Founded
1820
Enrollment
47,527
Setting
Suburban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $1,852
IU
$39,184
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Pitt more selective
IU
80.0%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Pitt higher
IU
80%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Pitt higher
IU
1240
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Pitt higher
IU
$58,900
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric IU Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$39,184$37,332Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$11,614$21,080IU
Room & Board$12,498$13,630IU
Acceptance Rate80.0%42.0%Pitt
Graduation Rate80%83%Pitt
Average SAT12401370Pitt
Student-Faculty Ratio15:114:1Pitt
Enrollment47,52734,163-
Avg Financial Aid$13,900$15,600Pitt
Starting Salary$58,900$64,600Pitt
Endowment$3.6B$5.6BPitt
Campus Size1,940 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

IU
$206,728
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: IU = $151,128 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

IU Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPublic HealthInformaticsMedia

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
IUSuburban
PittUrban
Campus Size
IU1,940 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
IUNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
IUMidwest
PittNortheast
Founded
IU1820
Pitt1787
Enrollment
IU47,527
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is IU or Pitt harder to get into?+
Pitt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 42.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, IU or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $206,728). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. IU offers an average of $13,900/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for IU and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at IU is 1240 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 IU or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Pitt have a higher average starting salary ($64,600 vs $58,900). 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?+
IU has a 15:1 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 IU and Pitt compare for campus life?+
IU is located in Bloomington, Indiana (suburban setting) with a 1,940-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. IU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.