Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Vanderbilt
$327,464
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Pitt = $141,448 | Vanderbilt = $138,664. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Pitt Top Majors
NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychologyVanderbilt Top Majors
EconomicsEngineeringMedicine/HealthComputer ScienceEducation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pitt or Vanderbilt harder to get into?+
Vanderbilt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.6% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Pitt or Vanderbilt?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $327,464). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Pitt offers an average of $15,600/year in aid while Vanderbilt offers $47,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Pitt and Vanderbilt?+
The average SAT score at Pitt is 1370 and at Vanderbilt it is 1520. 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 Vanderbilt graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Vanderbilt have a higher average starting salary ($76,800 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?+
Pitt has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Vanderbilt has 7:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Pitt and Vanderbilt compare for campus life?+
Pitt is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 132-acre campus. Vanderbilt is in Nashville, Tennessee (urban setting) with 330 acres. Pitt competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Vanderbilt in NCAA D1.