HomeCompare › NYU vs Pitt

NYU vs University of Pittsburgh

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

12.2% NYU acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$124,216 Pitt cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $23,106
NYU
$60,438
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
NYU
12.2%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate NYU higher
NYU
87%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
NYU
1480
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary NYU higher
NYU
$74,100
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric NYU Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,438$37,332Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$60,438$21,080Pitt
Room & Board$21,578$13,630Pitt
Acceptance Rate12.2%42.0%NYU
Graduation Rate87%83%NYU
Average SAT14801370NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio8:114:1NYU
Enrollment59,14434,163-
Avg Financial Aid$38,960$15,600NYU
Starting Salary$74,100$64,600NYU
Endowment$6.2B$5.6BNYU
Campus Size230 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NYU = $172,224 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NYUUrban
PittUrban
Campus Size
NYU230 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
NYUNCAA D3
PittNCAA D1
Region
NYUNortheast
PittNortheast
Founded
NYU1831
Pitt1787
Enrollment
NYU59,144
Pitt34,163

Need Help Choosing Between NYU & Pitt?

Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.

Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation ✓ Expert admissions advisors ✓ No obligation

Helpful Resources

Tools and services to help with your college journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYU or Pitt harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NYU or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NYU offers an average of $38,960/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NYU and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at NYU is 1480 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 NYU or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 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?+
NYU has a 8:1 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 NYU and Pitt compare for campus life?+
NYU is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 230-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. NYU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.