HomeCompare › Pitt vs Yale

University of Pittsburgh vs Yale University

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

42.0% Pitt acceptance
4.4% Yale acceptance
$131,752 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
Yale
New Haven, Connecticut
Private
Founded
1701
Enrollment
14,776
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Pitt saves $27,368
Pitt
$37,332
Yale
$64,700
Acceptance Rate Yale more selective
Pitt
42.0%
Yale
4.4%
Graduation Rate Yale higher
Pitt
83%
Yale
96%
Avg SAT Score Yale higher
Pitt
1370
Yale
1540
Starting Salary Yale higher
Pitt
$64,600
Yale
$83,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Pitt Yale Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$37,332$64,700Pitt
Tuition (In-State)$21,080$64,700Pitt
Room & Board$13,630$19,200Pitt
Acceptance Rate42.0%4.4%Yale
Graduation Rate83%96%Yale
Average SAT13701540Yale
Student-Faculty Ratio14:14:1Yale
Enrollment34,16314,776-
Avg Financial Aid$15,600$57,410Yale
Starting Salary$64,600$83,200Yale
Endowment$5.6B$41.4BYale
Campus Size132 acres373 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Yale
$335,600
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Pitt = $141,448 | Yale = $105,960. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Pitt Top Majors

NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychology

Yale Top Majors

EconomicsPolitical ScienceHistoryComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
PittUrban
YaleUrban
Campus Size
Pitt132 ac
Yale373 ac
Athletics
PittNCAA D1
YaleNCAA D1
Region
PittNortheast
YaleNortheast
Founded
Pitt1787
Yale1701
Enrollment
Pitt34,163
Yale14,776

Need Help Choosing Between Pitt & Yale?

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 Yale harder to get into?+
Yale is more selective with an acceptance rate of 4.4% compared to 42.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Pitt or Yale?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $335,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Pitt offers an average of $15,600/year in aid while Yale offers $57,410/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Pitt and Yale?+
The average SAT score at Pitt is 1370 and at Yale it is 1540. 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 Yale graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Yale have a higher average starting salary ($83,200 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 Yale has 4:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Pitt and Yale compare for campus life?+
Pitt is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 132-acre campus. Yale is in New Haven, Connecticut (urban setting) with 373 acres. Pitt competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Yale in NCAA D1.