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University of Michigan vs University of Pittsburgh

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

17.7% Michigan acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$77,800 Pitt cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
Founded
1817
Enrollment
48,090
Setting
Urban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $19,914
Michigan
$57,246
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Michigan more selective
Michigan
17.7%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Michigan higher
Michigan
93%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Michigan higher
Michigan
1470
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary Michigan higher
Michigan
$73,400
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric Michigan Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$57,246$37,332Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$17,786$21,080Michigan
Room & Board$13,166$13,630Michigan
Acceptance Rate17.7%42.0%Michigan
Graduation Rate93%83%Michigan
Average SAT14701370Michigan
Student-Faculty Ratio12:114:1Michigan
Enrollment48,09034,163-
Avg Financial Aid$22,680$15,600Michigan
Starting Salary$73,400$64,600Michigan
Endowment$17.9B$5.6BMichigan
Campus Size3,207 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Michigan
$281,648
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Michigan = $190,928 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Michigan Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MichiganUrban
PittUrban
Campus Size
Michigan3,207 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
MichiganNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
MichiganMidwest
PittNortheast
Founded
Michigan1817
Pitt1787
Enrollment
Michigan48,090
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Michigan or Pitt harder to get into?+
Michigan is more selective with an acceptance rate of 17.7% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Michigan or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $281,648). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Michigan offers an average of $22,680/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Michigan and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at Michigan is 1470 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 Michigan or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Michigan have a higher average starting salary ($73,400 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?+
Michigan has a 12:1 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 Michigan and Pitt compare for campus life?+
Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan (urban setting) with a 3,207-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. Michigan competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.