HomeCompare › UCLA vs Pitt

UCLA vs University of Pittsburgh

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

8.6% UCLA acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$40,832 Pitt cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UCLA
Los Angeles, California
Public
Founded
1919
Enrollment
47,606
Setting
Urban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $6,607
UCLA
$43,939
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate UCLA more selective
UCLA
8.6%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate UCLA higher
UCLA
92%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score UCLA higher
UCLA
1405
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary UCLA higher
UCLA
$68,700
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric UCLA Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$43,939$37,332Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$13,401$21,080UCLA
Room & Board$17,231$13,630Pitt
Acceptance Rate8.6%42.0%UCLA
Graduation Rate92%83%UCLA
Average SAT14051370UCLA
Student-Faculty Ratio18:114:1Pitt
Enrollment47,60634,163-
Avg Financial Aid$21,490$15,600UCLA
Starting Salary$68,700$64,600UCLA
Endowment$8.0B$5.6BUCLA
Campus Size419 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UCLA
$244,680
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UCLA = $158,720 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UCLA Top Majors

BiologyPsychologyEconomicsPolitical ScienceSociology

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UCLAUrban
PittUrban
Campus Size
UCLA419 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
UCLANCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
UCLAWest
PittNortheast
Founded
UCLA1919
Pitt1787
Enrollment
UCLA47,606
Pitt34,163

Need Help Choosing Between UCLA & 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 UCLA or Pitt harder to get into?+
UCLA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 8.6% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UCLA or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $244,680). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UCLA offers an average of $21,490/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UCLA and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at UCLA is 1405 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 UCLA or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UCLA have a higher average starting salary ($68,700 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?+
UCLA has a 18:1 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 UCLA and Pitt compare for campus life?+
UCLA is located in Los Angeles, California (urban setting) with a 419-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. UCLA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.