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Rutgers University vs University of Pittsburgh

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

68.0% Rutgers acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$6,712 Rutgers cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Rutgers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Public
Founded
1766
Enrollment
51,000
Setting
Suburban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Rutgers saves $2,868
Rutgers
$34,464
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Pitt more selective
Rutgers
68.0%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Pitt higher
Rutgers
82%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Pitt higher
Rutgers
1340
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Rutgers higher
Rutgers
$67,200
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Rutgers Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$34,464$37,332Rutgers
Tuition (In-State)$16,499$21,080Rutgers
Room & Board$14,820$13,630Pitt
Acceptance Rate68.0%42.0%Pitt
Graduation Rate82%83%Pitt
Average SAT13401370Pitt
Student-Faculty Ratio16:114:1Pitt
Enrollment51,00034,163-
Avg Financial Aid$14,500$15,600Pitt
Starting Salary$67,200$64,600Rutgers
Endowment$2.0B$5.6BPitt
Campus Size2,685 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Rutgers
$197,136
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Rutgers = $139,136 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Rutgers Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
RutgersSuburban
PittUrban
Campus Size
Rutgers2,685 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
RutgersNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
RutgersNortheast
PittNortheast
Founded
Rutgers1766
Pitt1787
Enrollment
Rutgers51,000
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rutgers or Pitt harder to get into?+
Pitt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 42.0% compared to 68.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Rutgers costs less over 4 years ($197,136 vs $203,848). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Rutgers offers an average of $14,500/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Rutgers and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at Rutgers 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 Rutgers or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Rutgers have a higher average starting salary ($67,200 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?+
Rutgers has a 16:1 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 Rutgers and Pitt compare for campus life?+
Rutgers is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey (suburban setting) with a 2,685-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. Rutgers competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.