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Ohio 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.

52.0% Ohio State acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$1,248 Ohio State cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Founded
1870
Enrollment
61,369
Setting
Urban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Ohio State saves $610
Ohio State
$36,722
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Pitt more selective
Ohio State
52.0%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Ohio State higher
Ohio State
84%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Pitt higher
Ohio State
1340
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Pitt higher
Ohio State
$63,500
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Ohio State Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,722$37,332Ohio State
Tuition (In-State)$12,485$21,080Ohio State
Room & Board$13,928$13,630Pitt
Acceptance Rate52.0%42.0%Pitt
Graduation Rate84%83%Ohio State
Average SAT13401370Pitt
Student-Faculty Ratio19:114:1Pitt
Enrollment61,36934,163-
Avg Financial Aid$14,830$15,600Pitt
Starting Salary$63,500$64,600Pitt
Endowment$7.6B$5.6BOhio State
Campus Size1,665 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Ohio State = $143,280 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Ohio StateUrban
PittUrban
Campus Size
Ohio State1,665 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
Ohio StateNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
Ohio StateMidwest
PittNortheast
Founded
Ohio State1870
Pitt1787
Enrollment
Ohio State61,369
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ohio State or Pitt harder to get into?+
Pitt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 42.0% compared to 52.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Ohio State or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Ohio State costs less over 4 years ($202,600 vs $203,848). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Ohio State offers an average of $14,830/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Ohio State and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at Ohio State is 1340 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 Ohio State or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Pitt have a higher average starting salary ($64,600 vs $63,500). 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?+
Ohio State 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 Ohio State and Pitt compare for campus life?+
Ohio State is located in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with a 1,665-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. Ohio State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.