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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs University of Pittsburgh

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

44.8% UIUC acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$5,912 UIUC cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UIUC
Champaign, Illinois
Public
Founded
1867
Enrollment
56,607
Setting
Urban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UIUC saves $1,264
UIUC
$36,068
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Pitt more selective
UIUC
44.8%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate UIUC higher
UIUC
87%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score UIUC higher
UIUC
1390
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary UIUC higher
UIUC
$72,400
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric UIUC Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,068$37,332UIUC
Tuition (In-State)$16,862$21,080UIUC
Room & Board$13,416$13,630UIUC
Acceptance Rate44.8%42.0%Pitt
Graduation Rate87%83%UIUC
Average SAT13901370UIUC
Student-Faculty Ratio20:114:1Pitt
Enrollment56,60734,163-
Avg Financial Aid$16,470$15,600UIUC
Starting Salary$72,400$64,600UIUC
Endowment$3.5B$5.6BPitt
Campus Size1,783 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UIUC
$197,936
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UIUC = $132,056 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UIUC Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessBiologyEconomics

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UIUCUrban
PittUrban
Campus Size
UIUC1,783 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
UIUCNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
UIUCMidwest
PittNortheast
Founded
UIUC1867
Pitt1787
Enrollment
UIUC56,607
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UIUC or Pitt harder to get into?+
Pitt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 42.0% compared to 44.8%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UIUC or Pitt?+
At sticker price, UIUC costs less over 4 years ($197,936 vs $203,848). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UIUC offers an average of $16,470/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UIUC and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at UIUC is 1390 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 UIUC or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UIUC have a higher average starting salary ($72,400 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?+
UIUC has a 20:1 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 UIUC and Pitt compare for campus life?+
UIUC is located in Champaign, Illinois (urban setting) with a 1,783-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. UIUC competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.