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University of North Carolina vs University of Pittsburgh

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

16.8% UNC acceptance
42.0% Pitt acceptance
$456 Pitt cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UNC
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Public
Founded
1789
Enrollment
32,852
Setting
Suburban
Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $724
UNC
$38,056
Pitt
$37,332
Acceptance Rate UNC more selective
UNC
16.8%
Pitt
42.0%
Graduation Rate UNC higher
UNC
91%
Pitt
83%
Avg SAT Score UNC higher
UNC
1400
Pitt
1370
Starting Salary UNC higher
UNC
$64,800
Pitt
$64,600

Detailed Comparison

Metric UNC Pitt Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$38,056$37,332Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$8,998$21,080UNC
Room & Board$13,020$13,630UNC
Acceptance Rate16.8%42.0%UNC
Graduation Rate91%83%UNC
Average SAT14001370UNC
Student-Faculty Ratio13:114:1UNC
Enrollment32,85234,163-
Avg Financial Aid$18,370$15,600UNC
Starting Salary$64,800$64,600UNC
Endowment$5.3B$5.6BPitt
Campus Size729 acres132 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UNC
$204,304
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UNC = $130,824 | Pitt = $141,448. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UNC Top Majors

BiologyBusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UNCSuburban
PittUrban
Campus Size
UNC729 ac
Pitt132 ac
Athletics
UNCNCAA D1
PittNCAA D1
Region
UNCSouth
PittNortheast
Founded
UNC1789
Pitt1787
Enrollment
UNC32,852
Pitt34,163

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UNC or Pitt harder to get into?+
UNC is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.8% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UNC or Pitt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $204,304). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UNC offers an average of $18,370/year in aid while Pitt offers $15,600/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UNC and Pitt?+
The average SAT score at UNC is 1400 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 UNC or Pitt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UNC 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?+
UNC has a 13:1 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 UNC and Pitt compare for campus life?+
UNC is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (suburban setting) with a 729-acre campus. Pitt is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 132 acres. UNC competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Pitt in NCAA D1.