The actual cost of attendance is one of the foremost factors to consider when you are exploring universities. The overall University of Pittsburgh cost for students can be estimated by combining the tuition rate, accommodation, books, fees, meal plans, and other expenses.
This article is your complete guide to determining what the University of Pittsburgh costs in total. It covers the University of Pittsburgh tuition fees, University of Pittsburgh living expenses, and the University of Pittsburgh financial aid options available to students. We will also cover different University of Pittsburgh rankings and the projected income for graduates.
University of Pittsburgh Rankings and Profile
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- US News & World Report Ranking: #59
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #83
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. The Pennsylvania-based research institution is one of the key members of the Association of American Universities. The school has more than 33,000 full-time and part-time students enrolled in a wide range of graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
The University of Pittsburgh is known as a hub for innovation, with five campuses and 16 distinct schools. While the main campus is in Pennsylvania, the university has additional campuses in Titusville, Johnstown, Greensburg, and Bradford.
How Much Does the University of Pittsburgh Cost?
The University of Pittsburgh costs about $21,078 per year for in-state tuition, books, and supplies, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The direct tuition is $20,362 while the cost for books and supplies is $716. Out-state students pay about $36,110, for tuition, books, and supplies. The direct tuition for out-of-state students is $35,394, while books and supplies cost $716.
The graduate programs at the University of Pittsburgh cost a bit more, with in-state full-time students paying $24,118 per year and out-of-state students paying $40,894 as direct tuition. The student fees for graduate students are about $1,130.
University of Pittsburgh Tuition, Fees, and Other Expenses
| Expense | University of Pittsburgh Cost |
|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh Undergraduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $20,362 |
| University of Pittsburgh Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $35,394 |
| University of Pittsburgh Graduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $25,248 |
| University of Pittsburgh Graduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $42,024 |
| University of Pittsburgh Books and Supplies | $716 |
The University of Pittsburgh tuition is on the high side when compared to the national average in the United States. According to NCES, the average cost for a four-year institution in the US is $13,360 annually. Current tuition and fees at the University of Pittsburgh also cost more than twice the national average of $7,411 for public institutions.
University of Pittsburgh Living Expenses
| Expense | University of Pittsburgh Cost |
|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh On-Campus Room and Board | $11,820 |
| University of Pittsburgh Off-Campus Room and Board | $11,814 |
The cost for room and board at the University of Pittsburgh is higher than the national average and what other schools offer. Beyond the $11,820 and $11,814 for in and out-of-state students, there is also $3,502 set aside for other expenses. The good news is that you can cut living expenses if you already stay in a nearby location in Pennsylvania and going to school from home is an option.
Cost of Living in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
The cost of living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is four percent higher than the national average, according to PayScale. The bulk of your earnings will be spent on accommodation, utilities, transportation, and groceries. The median home price in the city is $397,596, and utility prices are 23 percent higher than the national average.
University of Pittsburgh Financial Aid Statistics
The University of Pittsburgh offers a wide range of financial aid options for students who cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket. NCES notes that 3,293 undergraduate first-year students received financial aid from the University of Pittsburgh in the 2021-2022 school year. This made up about 78% of the admitted population.
The total amount awarded to students in scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of aid was $39,992,746. The total average received per student was about $12,822. One of the most noteworthy financial aid tools at the university is the PittFund$Me scholarship database. All existing and incoming students may search through the database to find a university or external scholarship they may be eligible for.
Does the University of Pittsburgh Accept FAFSA?
Yes, the University of Pittsburgh accepts federal financial aid to limit the cost for students. You can apply for financial aid using the school’s federal code at the appropriate time. Being eligible for federal financial aid does not reduce your chances of getting access to other financial aid options provided by the school.
Does the University of Pittsburgh Accept GI Bill Benefits?
Yes, the University of Pittsburgh accepts GI Bill benefits for veterans and family members of veterans who qualify. You can apply for GI Bill benefits through the Office of Veterans Services on the school’s website. Other military benefits include tuition assistance, scholarships, preferred course scheduling, career resources, and dependent and spousal benefits.
Is the University of Pittsburgh a Yellow Ribbon School?
Yes, the University of Pittsburgh is a Yellow Ribbon school. This means that veterans can attend school and enjoy tuition benefits based on the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Yellow Ribbon program covers all public schools and some private institutions of learning in the United States.
University of Pittsburgh Scholarships and Grants
- University Scholarships. These are awards that are given to students who have exceptional academic merits. The amount ranges from $2,000 to $20,000 per year. Students are selected based on academic merit, exceptional talents, and community engagement. Exceptional soft skills, such as leadership, are also considered.
- Cathedral of Learning Diversity Scholarships. US citizens or permanent residents who are from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds may apply for this scholarship. It is an incredibly competitive scholarship that grants eligible students $5,000 annually, as long as they maintain a GPA of 3.0 and above.
- Chancellor’s Scholarship. This is an exclusive funding option for students enrolled in the Frederick Honors College at the University of Pittsburgh. It covers full tuition, mandatory fees, Frederick Honors College housing, and room and board for 15 students. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents who are freshmen, full-time undergraduate students.
- International Freshmen Scholarships. This International Freshman scholarship is for all academically excelling international freshmen, irrespective of their citizenship or residency status. International students must hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 and maintain their performance to get the $2,000 yearly award.
- Nordenberg Scholars Program. This program is strictly for students who attended high school in Pennsylvania and have demonstrated excellent academic competence. Five of the best graduating high school students qualify for full tuition for eight university terms. Applicants must be US citizens from Pittsburgh and enrolled at the Pittsburgh campus.
University of Pittsburgh Average Net Price by Income
| Family Income | University of Pittsburgh Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $15,534 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $18,940 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $24,784 |
| $75,001to $110,000 | $30,085 |
| $110,001 and up | $32,989 |
As you can see from the table above, students from low-income households enjoyed the most financial aid benefits. This means they only had to pay $15,534 out of the total University of Pittsburgh cost of attendance. The higher the family income, the lower the access students have to financial aid, with students paying up to $32,989.
How to Calculate the University of Pittsburgh Cost
To calculate the total University of Pittsburgh cost, you’ll need to take several factors into account. First, you should find out if you qualify for in-state tuition. If you do, you can save thousands of dollars in direct tuition costs. Apart from direct tuition, you also need to consider additional educational expenses, like books, computers, and other supplies you’ll need.
While you cannot estimate the exact amount a four-year degree at the University of Pittsburgh will cost, the net tuition calculator on the official website can help you get a rough estimate. All you have to do is fill out your details and wait for the results. From there, you can start to build your personal student budget to plan for additional tuition and living expenses.
Is the Cost of College Too High?
Yes, the cost of college is too high in the United States. Student loan debts are among the highest forms of debt that young adults are forced to pay for years after graduation. Generally, only students with full scholarships and those from wealthy backgrounds can afford to go to college in the United States without incurring thousands of dollars in debt.
However, just because the cost of college is exceptionally high, that should not deter you from pursuing your dreams of obtaining an excellent education. Financial aid and scholarship awards can make the high tuition costs feasible for most students, they will just take extra work to find and apply for.
University of Pittsburgh Student Debt
- Students Receiving Federal Loans: 51%
- Median Debt After Graduation: $24,550
- Average Monthly Loan Payment: $245
While a good percentage of students receive financial aid at the University of Pittsburgh, there is still an average debt of $24,550 per student after graduation. This is because the majority of the financial aid is in the form of student loans, which must be repaid. The average monthly repayment is $245 based on a 10-year repayment plan. This is a better deal compared to many other schools.
The total loan amount for graduating students at the University of Pittsburgh is slightly lower than the national average student loan amount of $32,300, according to NCES. It’s important to note that the total amount of loans per student will depend on the discipline in question, the other financial aid options available, and the terms of the loan.
University of Pittsburgh Tuition Payment Plans
The University of Pittsburgh offers tuition payment plans to students who cannot afford to pay the bulk sum out of pocket. It is a short-term plan that allows students to break yearly payments into smaller installments.
The tuition payment plan available at the university is the PittPAY Payment Plan. To qualify for the PittPAY Payment Plan, you must owe a minimum of $300 per term. You will receive frequent notifications whenever it’s time for payment and the required amount will be automatically deducted.
University of Pittsburgh Graduate Salaries and Outcomes
Graduates from the University of Pittsburgh earn a median annual salary of $57,961. This figure applies to graduates of various degree programs from the school and is higher than the national median annual salary of $47,891 for graduates in the United States.
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How to Save Money in College
- Live with family. Accommodation is one of the major factors that increase the cost of attendance in most cities. If your family home is near campus, you can cut housing costs by living at home.
- Apply for scholarships. There are hundreds of merit, diversity, and need-based scholarship opportunities provided by governmental and private organizations. There are also gender-based scholarships and scholarships that are awarded to people based on sexual orientation.
- Attend a community college. One of the top reasons to attend a community college is the cost-saving benefit it offers. By obtaining your general education credits at a community college, you will save significantly when you transfer your credits and are able to obtain your four-year degree in just two or three years.
- Consider an online degree. Online learning has gained a lot of traction in the last few years because of the flexibility and convenience it offers. Online learning can also shave a chunk of money from the total cost of attendance because you won’t have to pay for room and board or transportation.
- Take advantage of a work-study program. If you can’t find a way to save money, you’ll need to find a way to make money. There are several part-time jobs you can do on and off-campus, so research thoroughly and find the one that fits. Getting a job on campus might make it easier for you to attend to your studies compared to working off-campus.
Is the University of Pittsburgh Affordable?
No, the University of Pittsburgh is not very affordable. With annual tuition and fees for in-state students at $21,078 and $35,394 for out-of-state students, four-year degrees may cost up to $84,312 for in-state students and well over $141,576 for out-of-state students. Since the tuition is not fixed, it is most likely to change every year, which means higher fees over the long term.
University of Pittsburgh Cost FAQ
The University of Pittsburgh, or Pitt for short, is known for its high research activity and its bold moves toward innovation. It has a promising and ever-changing department that supports the invention of new and improved technologies across the board. Students at Pitt get access to technology resources provided by the school.
It costs about $84,312 in tuition and fees for in-state students and $141,576 for out-of-state students at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). This is based on the 2021-2022 academic year and is subject to change.
No, Pitt is not an Ivy League university. The eight Ivy League universities in the United States are Yale University, Brown University, Cornell University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, and Princeton University.
No, Pitt is not a party school. It is not ranked among the top 20 party schools in the United States. Above everything else, Pitt is concerned with maintaining academic excellence and prestige. That being said, it is a large school with a vibrant student life, so many students do partake in partying during the weekends.
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