Overview
Founded in 1787 as the Pittsburgh Academy, the University of Pittsburgh is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. It evolved into a major research university over the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming particularly renowned for its contributions to medicine, including Jonas Salk's development of the polio vaccine at Pitt in the 1950s. Today it is classified as an R1 institution with extensive federal research funding, especially in biomedical sciences, and is a member of the Association of American Universities.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1787 |
| Total students | 28,600 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 13:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 48% |
| Graduation rate | 84% |
| Average starting salary | $62,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $21,268 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $36,844 |
| Room & board | $13,900 |
| Average financial aid | $18,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1290-1450 |
| ACT range | 29-33 |
| Average GPA | 3.85 |
| Regular deadline | January 15 |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Bioengineering
- Computer Science
- Pharmacy
- Political Science
- Psychology
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.