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University of Alabama 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% Alabama acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$25,848 Alabama cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Public
Founded
1831
Enrollment
39,975
Setting
Suburban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Alabama saves $4,932
Alabama
$32,400
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Pitt more selective
Alabama
80.0%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Pitt higher
Alabama
73%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Pitt higher
Alabama
1260
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Pitt higher
Alabama
$58,400
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Alabama Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$32,400$37,332Alabama
Tuition (In-State)$11,580$21,080Alabama
Room & Board$12,100$13,630Alabama
Acceptance Rate80.0%42.0%Pitt
Graduation Rate73%83%Pitt
Average SAT12601370Pitt
Student-Faculty Ratio19:114:1Pitt
Enrollment39,97534,163-
Avg Financial Aid$13,100$15,600Pitt
Starting Salary$58,400$64,600Pitt
Endowment$2.2B$5.6BPitt
Campus Size1,168 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Alabama
$178,000
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Alabama = $125,600 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Alabama Top Majors

BusinessNursingEngineeringCommunicationBiology

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AlabamaSuburban
PittUrban
Campus Size
Alabama1,168 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
AlabamaNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
AlabamaSouth
PittNortheast
Founded
Alabama1831
Pitt1787
Enrollment
Alabama39,975
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alabama 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, Alabama or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Alabama costs less over 4 years ($178,000 vs $203,848). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Alabama offers an average of $13,100/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Alabama and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at Alabama is 1260 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 Alabama or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Pitt have a higher average starting salary ($64,600 vs $58,400). 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?+
Alabama 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 Alabama and Pitt compare for campus life?+
Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,168-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. Alabama competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.