Most
Affordable Colleges in Pittsburgh in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Pittsburgh, PA, offers access to urban employers and internships. Programs typically cover accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, analytics, and organizational behavior. Popular local choices include the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Point Park University, and Carlow University. Graduates commonly pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, sales representatives, project coordinators, or operations managers, depending on experience and specialization. Coursework also builds communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Pittsburgh, PA, lets students explore human behavior through courses in research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Labs and internships build practical skills. Popular options include the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, and Point Park University. Graduates may pursue roles such as research assistant, case manager, behavioral health technician, human resources specialist, or social services worker. Further study may prepare for clinical or counseling careers.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Pittsburgh, PA combines technical coursework with access to a technology community. Typical classes include programming, data structures, algorithms, operating systems, databases, software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Graduates pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, or IT consultants. Pittsburgh colleges offering computer science degrees include Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, and Point Park University. Students can strengthen their preparation through research, internships, and projects.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, typically combines coursework in counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, and multicultural practice with supervised fieldwork. Graduates may pursue roles as school counselors, mental health counselors, substance-use counselors, career counselors, or case managers; clinical practice generally requires state licensure. Pittsburgh-area options include the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, and Chatham University, which offer counseling-related graduate study. Compare program accreditation, practicum placements, and licensure preparation when choosing a program.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, combines classroom learning with clinical practice in the region's hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and maternal, pediatric, and mental-health nursing. Graduates may work as registered nurses, patient-care coordinators, school nurses, or public-health nurses, depending on degree and licensure. Pittsburgh-area options include the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Carlow University, Chatham University, and Community College of Allegheny County nursing programs.

Best Colleges in Pittsburgh, PA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is $38,855, compared with $53,669 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of $14,814. Average financial-aid coverage is 100% overall and 68.88% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 68.88%. Schools receive an average of 14,999.12 applicants, compared with 42,028.1 at top-10% schools. The median number of applicants is 1,360 for men and 2,994.5 for women.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,213.5 and 26.33, respectively. Average enrollment is 8,534.38 students, with averages of 490.12 enrolled men and 641.88 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 72%, compared with 87.7% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 65.5% for men and 65% for women.
• Five institutions offer associate's degrees, seven offer bachelor's degrees, seven offer master's degrees, and four offer doctor's degrees. There are seven coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost with financial-aid availability, and weigh admission rates and applicant numbers against your own academic profile. Consider graduation rates alongside the degree options and enrollment figures that best fit your goals; the reported overall and top-10% figures can help frame those comparisons.

How much does studying at a college in Pittsburgh, PA cost?

The average reported total cost of studying for a degree in Pittsburgh, PA, is $39,738.25. This gives you a useful starting point as you compare local options such as the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, and Point Park University; actual bills vary by school, program, and living choices.

• Tuition and fees average $39,919.25.
• Room and board average $15,344.86.
• Books and supplies average $1,216.57.
• Reported total cost averages $39,738.25.

Since tuition is higher than the reported total, treat these figures as separate averages, not a reconciled budget. Check each college's current cost of attendance, including housing, meals, transportation, and aid. Pittsburgh's campus and neighborhood options can make comparing living arrangements worthwhile. Ask schools for personalized estimates, and explore scholarships and book costs early; these steps can help you feel more confident about affordability. Your final degree cost will depend on your program, course load, and time to graduation.

How long does it take to finish college in Pittsburgh, PA?

Most full-time students in Pittsburgh can expect about four years to complete a bachelor's degree, while an associate degree usually takes two. At the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, or Duquesne University, program requirements, course availability, and whether you study full-time affect your timeline. Part-time study, changing majors, or repeating courses may add time, but progress makes graduation achievable.

Pittsburgh's average graduation rate is 72.0%, meaning seven in ten students graduate within the period measured; at schools in the top 10%, the average is 87.7%. Rates are 68.12% for men and 71.62% for women. These figures offer encouraging context, though each college's timeline and reporting method can differ.

You may finish sooner by bringing AP or dual-enrollment credits, transferring coursework, taking summer classes, or choosing an accelerated program. Community College of Allegheny County can be a starting point, with transfer planning helping you move toward a bachelor's degree.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Pittsburgh, PA, earn a median alumni salary of about $51,110. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is about $71,599 - an encouraging benchmark as you compare your options.

Pittsburgh students can explore institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, and Carlow University. Your own earnings will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and the role you pursue.

• Median alumni salary: about $51,110
• Median at top-10% schools: about $71,599

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Pittsburgh?

Costs depend on the school, your Pennsylvania residency, and whether you live at home. As a rough guide, tuition and fees at public four-year colleges can be around $20,000-$25,000 a year for in-state students; private colleges may charge considerably more. Housing, food, books, and transportation add to the total, while financial aid can lower your bill.

What college in Pittsburgh has the lowest tuition?

For many local students, Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) is among the least expensive options, especially for Allegheny County residents paying the in-district rate. Its tuition is charged by credit, so your cost depends on your course load and program. Check CCAC's latest tuition and fees before enrolling, since rates can change.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Pittsburgh, PA Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus is a major public research university in Oakland, an academic neighborhood within Pittsburgh, offering students access to city life, hospitals, cultural institutions, and regional employers. It enrolls 31,237 students, with an 85% graduation rate and 58% acceptance rate. The listed total study cost is $40,060, while median alumni salary is $54,781. For a Pittsburgh-based student, its urban campus can make commuting and exploring local opportunities practical, though actual expenses and program options vary by academic field.

Rosedale Technical College is a small, career-focused institution in Pittsburgh, with technical training that may appeal to students seeking hands-on preparation for skilled trades and related fields. Its enrollment is 475, graduation rate is 81%, and acceptance rate is 75%. The listed total cost is $15,950, and median alumni salary is $47,438. For someone already living in Pittsburgh, studying locally may simplify commuting and keep students near the region's employers; compare specific programs, schedules, and expenses before choosing a program.

Carlow University is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, offering a close-to-city setting and a range of undergraduate and graduate study options. It enrolls 3,439 students; its graduation rate is 60%, and its acceptance rate is 87%. The listed total cost is $34,546, with median alumni salary of $64,244. Pittsburgh residents can consider the campus's proximity to local cultural and healthcare resources, while weighing personal program fit, commuting needs, and the full cost of attendance before making enrollment decisions.

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, known for strengths across technology, arts, business, and other disciplines. Its 16,582 students experience a 94% graduation rate and a 12% acceptance rate. The listed total cost is $64,596, the highest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $88,761. For local students, Pittsburgh offers an urban campus environment and nearby cultural and professional networks; compare aid, major-specific costs, and career outcomes when evaluating this selective option in context.

La Roche University is a private university in McCandless, north of Pittsburgh, offering a campus setting within reach of the city. It has 2,311 enrolled students, a 57% graduation rate, and a 76% acceptance rate. The listed total cost is $32,600, and median alumni salary is $43,029. For a Pittsburgh-area student, the location may suit those seeking access to city opportunities without studying downtown; consider transportation, intended major, and financial aid alongside these figures when comparing their college choices locally.