IU-Bloomington vs University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pitt)

Indiana University-Bloomington and University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, both esteemed public research universities, offer distinct educational experiences. Indiana University boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option, while University of Pittsburgh has a slightly higher graduation rate. Indiana University's student body is more diverse, with a larger international student population. In terms of popular majors, Indiana University excels in fields like business, psychology, and biology, while University of Pittsburgh is known for its strengths in engineering, computer science, and nursing. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Indiana University-Bloomington	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Overview
Location	Bloomington, Indiana	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	90.0%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.0%	66.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1160 - 1380	1250 - 1470
ACT range	26 - 32	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	49.0%
Students submitting ACT score	23.0%	16.0%
Total number of applicants	46,498	34,656
Total number of admissions given out	39,543	23,109
Admitted students who chose to enroll	9,482	4,875
Yield rate	24.0%	21.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,299 Out of state: $54,318	In state: $36,394 Out of state: $51,426
Average net price	$13,386	$22,996
Tuition	In state: $9,913 Out of state: $36,932	In state: $19,092 Out of state: $34,124
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,798 Meal plan: $4,300	Room/dormitory: $6,880 Meal plan: $4,940
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	67.0% Average amount $11,608	74.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $5,040	51.0% Average amount $5,334
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $19,336	12.0% Average amount $19,190

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,253 Men 50.1% Women 49.9%	23,885 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Graduate students	11,075 Men 53.1% Women 46.9%	9,345 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	43.6%	39.6%
International students	10.4%	8.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	13,484	8,760
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Indiana Illinois New Jersey California New York	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Health Professions Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	80.8%	84.3%
Dropout rate	7.9%	3.0%
Transferred out	10.2%	12.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $111,595 Year 2: $114,366 Year 3: $123,644 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,538 Year 2: $108,370 Year 3: $115,751 Human Computer Interaction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,640 Year 2: $80,355 Year 3: $97,668 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $101,331 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $88,260 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,263 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $82,012 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,288 Year 2: $67,869 Year 3: $81,338 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $79,011 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $79,545 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,371 Year 2: $65,832 Year 3: $78,226 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $66,745 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,109 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $74,650	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $220,906 Year 3: $231,651 Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $191,732 Year 2: $172,991 Year 3: $167,114 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $123,211 Year 2: $136,434 Year 3: $139,418 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $73,006 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $119,626 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $91,548 Year 2: $108,012 Year 3: $119,626 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,381 Year 2: $99,174 Year 3: $104,969 Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $88,815 Year 2: $90,572 Year 3: $98,136 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,499 Year 2: $81,333 Year 3: $92,231 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,120 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $89,317 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $79,727 Year 3: $79,626

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Indiana University Bloomington (IU) and the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) in terms of location and campus environment?

IU Bloomington is located in a classic college town in southern Indiana, offering a more traditional, self-contained campus experience. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and green spaces. Pitt, on the other hand, is situated in the heart of Pittsburgh, a vibrant city in Pennsylvania. Its campus is integrated into the urban landscape, providing students with easy access to city amenities, internships, and cultural attractions. Choosing between the two depends on whether you prefer a more secluded, campus-centric environment or an urban, city-integrated experience.
How do IU and Pitt compare in terms of academic reputation and strengths?

Both IU and Pitt are highly regarded universities with strong academic reputations. IU is particularly well-known for its programs in music (Jacobs School of Music), public affairs (O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs), and journalism. Pitt excels in health sciences, engineering, and philosophy. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their specific areas of strength differ. Researching specific departments within your field of interest is recommended.
What is the cost of attendance difference between IU and Pitt?

The cost of attendance can vary significantly depending on residency status. Generally, IU is more affordable for Indiana residents, while Pitt is more affordable for Pennsylvania residents. For out-of-state students, both universities have similar tuition rates, but it's crucial to consider the overall cost of living, including housing and other expenses. Be sure to check the most recent tuition and fee schedules on each university's website for the most accurate information.
How do the student bodies at IU and Pitt differ?

Both IU and Pitt have large and diverse student bodies. IU tends to draw a larger proportion of students from the Midwest, particularly Indiana. Pitt attracts students from across Pennsylvania, the East Coast, and internationally. While both universities are diverse, the specific demographics and cultural influences may vary. Consider which geographic and cultural mix appeals to you most.
What are the main differences in campus life and extracurricular activities at IU and Pitt?

IU is known for its strong Greek life, vibrant arts scene (especially music), and passionate sports culture, particularly basketball. Pitt also has a strong sports culture, especially in football and basketball, and offers a wide range of clubs and organizations. Because Pitt is in a city, students have access to a broader range of off-campus activities and entertainment options. IU's campus life is more centered around the university itself.
How do IU and Pitt compare in terms of career services and internship opportunities?

Both IU and Pitt offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Pitt's location in Pittsburgh provides students with access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance. IU also offers strong internship programs, particularly within Indiana and the Midwest. The best choice depends on your field of study and desired location for internships and future employment.
What are the housing options like at IU and Pitt?

IU offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suite-style living, and apartment-style housing. Many students, especially upperclassmen, choose to live off-campus in Bloomington. Pitt also offers a range of on-campus housing options, but due to its urban location, off-campus housing is often integrated into the surrounding neighborhoods. Both universities provide resources to help students find suitable housing.
How do the surrounding cities of Bloomington and Pittsburgh impact the student experience?

Bloomington is a quintessential college town, offering a supportive and engaging environment for students. It has a lively downtown area with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues catering to the student population. Pittsburgh, as a major city, provides a more diverse and dynamic experience. Students have access to a wide range of cultural attractions, professional sports teams, and a thriving arts and music scene. The city itself becomes an extension of the campus, offering endless opportunities for exploration and engagement.
What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at IU and Pitt?

Both IU and Pitt are large universities, so introductory courses can be quite large. However, as students progress in their majors, class sizes tend to become smaller. The student-to-faculty ratio at IU is around 16:1, while at Pitt it's around 14:1. These ratios provide a general indication of the level of interaction students can expect with faculty, but individual experiences may vary depending on the department and course.
How do IU and Pitt support international students?

Both IU and Pitt have dedicated offices and resources to support international students. These offices provide assistance with visa requirements, housing, academic advising, and cultural adjustment. Both universities also offer a variety of programs and events to help international students connect with each other and the broader campus community. Check each university's international student services website for detailed information.

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