HomeCompare › Maryland vs Pitt

University of Maryland vs University of Pittsburgh

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

44.0% Maryland acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$14,712 Pitt cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $2,974
Maryland
$40,306
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Pitt more selective
Maryland
44.0%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Maryland higher
Maryland
88%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Maryland higher
Maryland
1410
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Maryland higher
Maryland
$70,900
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Maryland Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,306$37,332Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$11,505$21,080Maryland
Room & Board$14,334$13,630Pitt
Acceptance Rate44.0%42.0%Pitt
Graduation Rate88%83%Maryland
Average SAT14101370Maryland
Student-Faculty Ratio18:114:1Pitt
Enrollment41,20034,163-
Avg Financial Aid$14,200$15,600Pitt
Starting Salary$70,900$64,600Maryland
Endowment$2.3B$5.6BPitt
Campus Size1,335 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Maryland = $161,760 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MarylandSuburban
PittUrban
Campus Size
Maryland1,335 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
MarylandNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
MarylandNortheast
PittNortheast
Founded
Maryland1856
Pitt1787
Enrollment
Maryland41,200
Pitt34,163

Need Help Choosing Between Maryland & 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 Maryland or Pitt harder to get into?+
Pitt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 42.0% compared to 44.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Maryland or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $218,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Maryland offers an average of $14,200/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Maryland and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at Maryland is 1410 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 Maryland or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Maryland have a higher average starting salary ($70,900 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?+
Maryland 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 Maryland and Pitt compare for campus life?+
Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with a 1,335-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. Maryland competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.