HomeCompare › Pitt vs UT Austin

University of Pittsburgh vs University of Texas at Austin

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

42.0% Pitt acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$9,552 Pitt cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Pitt
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Founded
1787
Enrollment
34,163
Setting
Urban
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $3,738
Pitt
$37,332
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate UT Austin more selective
Pitt
42.0%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate UT Austin higher
Pitt
83%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score Same
Pitt
1370
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary UT Austin higher
Pitt
$64,600
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Pitt UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$37,332$41,070Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$21,080$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$13,630$12,280UT Austin
Acceptance Rate42.0%29.0%UT Austin
Graduation Rate83%87%UT Austin
Average SAT13701370Tie
Student-Faculty Ratio14:117:1Pitt
Enrollment34,16352,384-
Avg Financial Aid$15,600$14,990Pitt
Starting Salary$64,600$68,500UT Austin
Endowment$5.6B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size132 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Pitt = $141,448 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
PittUrban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
Pitt132 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
PittNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
PittNortheast
UT AustinSouth
Founded
Pitt1787
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
Pitt34,163
UT Austin52,384

Need Help Choosing Between Pitt & UT Austin?

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 Pitt or UT Austin harder to get into?+
UT Austin is more selective with an acceptance rate of 29.0% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Pitt or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $213,400). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Pitt offers an average of $15,600/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Pitt and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at Pitt is 1370 and at UT Austin 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 Pitt or UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UT Austin have a higher average starting salary ($68,500 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?+
Pitt has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Pitt and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
Pitt is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 132-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. Pitt competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.