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University of Minnesota vs University of Pittsburgh

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

75.0% UMN acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$6,760 UMN cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UMN
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
54,890
Setting
Urban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UMN saves $930
UMN
$36,402
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate Pitt more selective
UMN
75.0%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate Same
UMN
83%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score Same
UMN
1370
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary UMN higher
UMN
$64,800
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric UMN Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,402$37,332UMN
Tuition (In-State)$15,588$21,080UMN
Room & Board$12,870$13,630UMN
Acceptance Rate75.0%42.0%Pitt
Graduation Rate83%83%Tie
Average SAT13701370Tie
Student-Faculty Ratio17:114:1Pitt
Enrollment54,89034,163-
Avg Financial Aid$15,100$15,600Pitt
Starting Salary$64,800$64,600UMN
Endowment$4.4B$5.6BPitt
Campus Size1,204 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UMN
$197,088
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UMN = $136,688 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UMN Top Majors

PsychologyBiologyEngineeringComputer ScienceBusiness

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UMNUrban
PittUrban
Campus Size
UMN1,204 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
UMNNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
UMNMidwest
PittNortheast
Founded
UMN1851
Pitt1787
Enrollment
UMN54,890
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UMN or Pitt harder to get into?+
Pitt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 42.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UMN or Pitt?+
At sticker price, UMN costs less over 4 years ($197,088 vs $203,848). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UMN offers an average of $15,100/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UMN and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at UMN is 1370 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 UMN or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UMN have a higher average starting salary ($64,800 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?+
UMN has a 17:1 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 UMN and Pitt compare for campus life?+
UMN is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota (urban setting) with a 1,204-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. UMN competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.