Most
Popular Colleges in Pittsburgh in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Pittsburgh, PA, combines core business knowledge with skills for organizations across industries. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business analytics, and organizational behavior. Graduates often pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, sales representatives, operations supervisors, or human resources specialists. Pittsburgh options include the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, and Point Park University, offering business administration study at different degree levels to suit varied student interests.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers access to respected universities and diverse communities for internships and research. Students commonly take courses in introductory psychology, research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Pittsburgh colleges including the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Point Park University, and Chatham University offer psychology study options. Graduates may pursue jobs such as behavioral health technician, case manager, research assistant, human resources assistant, or community support worker.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Pittsburgh offers strong technical training and access to a technology community. Typical courses include programming, data structures, algorithms, computer systems, databases, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Students complete team projects or internships that build practical skills. Popular local options include Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Duquesne University. Graduates pursue jobs as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, or IT consultants, working across industries throughout the region.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Pittsburgh, PA, combines theory with supervised practice. Typical courses include counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural counseling, and clinical practicum. Local options include Duquesne University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Chatham University, which offer related counseling or behavioral health study. Graduates may pursue roles as mental health counselors, rehabilitation counselors, substance use counselors, or school counselors, depending on degree level, licensure, state certification requirements, and experience.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Pittsburgh, PA, combines classroom learning, simulation, and clinical placements in the region's hospitals and community settings. Programs commonly cover anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical care, pediatrics, maternity, mental health, and community health. Popular local options include the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Carlow University, and Chatham University. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term-care facilities, schools, or public health. Some pursue graduate study for leadership.

Best Colleges in Pittsburgh, PA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $38,855, compared with $53,669 for schools in the top 10%, a difference of $14,814.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100% of students overall, compared with 68.88% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 68.88%. Schools receive an average of 14,999.12 applicants, while top-10% schools average 42,028.1 applicants.
• The median number of male applicants is 1,360, compared with 2,994.5 female applicants.
• Average test scores are 1,213.5 on the SAT and 26.33 on the ACT.
• Average enrollment is 8,534.38 students, including averages of 490.12 men and 641.88 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 and financial-aid availability with your likely expenses, and consider applicant volume and acceptance rate as part of assessing admissions competitiveness. Also weigh graduation rates, degree offerings, test-score averages, enrollment, and the learning environment that best fits your goals.

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

The average cost of studying for a degree in Pittsburgh, PA, is $39,738.25, using the supplied average total-cost estimate. Treat this as a planning benchmark rather than a guaranteed bill: your actual expenses can vary by school, major, housing choice, financial aid, and time to completion. Pittsburgh students can compare institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, and Robert Morris University; exploring scholarships and campus housing early can make the decision feel more achievable and help you shape a budget around your goals.

• Average tuition and fees: $39,919.25
• Average room and board: $15,344.86
• Average books and supplies: $1,216.57

The averages are separate figures, not one itemized bill; notably, tuition and fees exceed the total-cost estimate. Ask each college for a current net-price estimate and compare grants, housing, and commuting options. This practical check can make Pittsburgh's degree path clearer and more affordable for budgeting.

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

A bachelor's degree in Pittsburgh typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two. At the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, or Duquesne University, your timeline depends on program requirements, course availability, and how many credits you complete each term. Part-time study, changing majors, or needing prerequisite courses can extend the schedule.

Local graduation figures suggest many students do finish: the average graduation rate is 72.0%, compared with 87.7% among the top 10% of schools. Reported averages are 68.12% for men and 71.62% for women.

You may be able to finish sooner through options such as:

• Bring AP, IB, dual-enrollment, or eligible transfer credits.
• Take summer courses or heavier course loads, if manageable.
• Ask about credit-by-exam and accelerated degree pathways.

Meet an academic adviser early to map required courses and avoid delays. A clear plan can make your Pittsburgh college experience feel more achievable and exciting.

Salary

After graduating from college in Pittsburgh, PA, a useful benchmark is a median alumni salary of about $51,110 per year. Graduates of schools ranked in the top 10% have a median alumni salary of about $71,599 per year - an encouraging sign of the earning potential a degree can offer.

Students at Pittsburgh institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Duquesne University can use these figures as broad reference points, not guarantees for any one school or graduate. Your actual earnings will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and role, but Pittsburgh offers a range of educational paths to help you build toward your goals.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in Pittsburgh?

By student enrollment, the University of Pittsburgh is generally the largest university in Pittsburgh. Its Oakland campus is a lively hub for classes, research, and student activities, giving local students a broad range of academic and social opportunities. Enrollment figures vary by year and by whether branch campuses are counted.

What is the richest university in Pittsburgh?

Using endowment size as the measure, the University of Pittsburgh appears to be Pittsburgh's richest university, with a larger endowment than Carnegie Mellon University in recent reported figures. Endowments support scholarships, research, and other university priorities; they are not the same as cash available for students or annual operating budgets.

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

Carnegie Mellon University offers a highly selective, research-driven education in Pittsburgh, with strengths across technology, arts, business, and sciences. Its 16,582 enrolled students benefit from the city's universities, cultural institutions, and internships, while campus life sits in the Oakland area. The 94% graduation rate and 12% acceptance rate signal strong outcomes and competition. Total study cost is $64,596, and median alumni salary is $88,761. For a Pittsburgh student, staying local means access to employers without leaving the region or Pennsylvania.

The University of Pittsburgh's Pittsburgh Campus is a large, urban research university in Oakland, close to hospitals, museums, and downtown transit. Its 31,237 enrolled students have many academic and community opportunities in the city. The 85% graduation rate and 58% acceptance rate offer useful context when comparing fit and selectivity. Total study cost is $40,060, while median alumni salary is $54,781. For local applicants, studying here can combine familiar surroundings with the resources of a major Pittsburgh institution and connections.

Chatham University is a smaller institution in Pittsburgh's East End, known for a close-knit campus and programs spanning health, sustainability, and the liberal arts. Its 2,314 enrolled students may find a more intimate setting while still accessing the city's cultural and professional opportunities. Chatham reports a 63% graduation rate and 62% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $43,518, and median alumni salary is $44,749. For Pittsburgh residents, its location can make local internships and community engagement especially convenient for students.

La Roche University is a small Catholic university in the Pittsburgh area, located in McCandless, north of the city. With 2,311 enrolled students, it offers a comparatively compact campus community and access to regional opportunities. Its 57% graduation rate and 76% acceptance rate help frame its student outcomes and admissions profile. Total study cost is $32,600, the lowest among these five schools; median alumni salary is $43,029. Pittsburgh-area students can remain near home while exploring internships across the metropolitan region.

Duquesne University is a Catholic university on Pittsburgh's Bluff, overlooking downtown and within reach of the city's cultural and professional life. Its 8,269 enrolled students study in a mid-sized campus setting with urban access. Duquesne reports a 77% graduation rate and an 84% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $48,986, and median alumni salary is $55,816. For students already in Pittsburgh, the location supports convenient commuting, city-based experiences, and connections with employers while pursuing a broad range of academic programs locally.