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University of Pittsburgh vs University of Virginia

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

42.0% Pitt acceptance
16.3% UVA acceptance
$76,936 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
UVA
Charlottesville, Virginia
Public
Founded
1819
Enrollment
26,082
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $18,582
Pitt
$37,332
UVA
$55,914
Acceptance Rate UVA more selective
Pitt
42.0%
UVA
16.3%
Graduation Rate UVA higher
Pitt
83%
UVA
94%
Avg SAT Score UVA higher
Pitt
1370
UVA
1440
Starting Salary UVA higher
Pitt
$64,600
UVA
$71,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Pitt UVA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$37,332$55,914Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$21,080$20,342UVA
Room & Board$13,630$14,282Pitt
Acceptance Rate42.0%16.3%UVA
Graduation Rate83%94%UVA
Average SAT13701440UVA
Student-Faculty Ratio14:115:1Pitt
Enrollment34,16326,082-
Avg Financial Aid$15,600$21,700UVA
Starting Salary$64,600$71,500UVA
Endowment$5.6B$14.5BUVA
Campus Size132 acres1,682 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UVA
$280,784
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Pitt = $141,448 | UVA = $193,984. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

UVA Top Majors

EconomicsBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
PittUrban
UVASuburban
Campus Size
Pitt132 ac
UVA1,682 ac
Athletics
PittNCAA D1
UVANCAA D1
Region
PittNortheast
UVASouth
Founded
Pitt1787
UVA1819
Enrollment
Pitt34,163
UVA26,082

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pitt or UVA harder to get into?+
UVA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.3% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Pitt or UVA?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $280,784). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Pitt offers an average of $15,600/year in aid while UVA offers $21,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Pitt and UVA?+
The average SAT score at Pitt is 1370 and at UVA it is 1440. 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 UVA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UVA have a higher average starting salary ($71,500 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 UVA has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Pitt and UVA compare for campus life?+
Pitt is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 132-acre campus. UVA is in Charlottesville, Virginia (suburban setting) with 1,682 acres. Pitt competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UVA in NCAA D1.