University of Florida (UF) vs University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pitt)

When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. The University of Florida (UF) and the University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pitt) are two distinct universities with unique offerings. UF, located in Gainesville, Florida, boasts a large student body and a wide range of academic programs, while Pitt, situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known for its strong research focus and urban setting. With acceptance rates of 34% and 57%, respectively, UF is more selective, while Pitt offers a more accessible admissions process. Both universities offer a diverse range of popular majors, including engineering, business, and health sciences, but UF excels in agriculture and veterinary medicine, while Pitt shines in public health and social work. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, such as student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional factors that can help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey.

	University of Florida	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Overview
Location	Gainesville, Florida	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	City: Midsize	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	97.0%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	30.1%	66.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1300 - 1470	1250 - 1470
ACT range	29 - 33	28 - 33
Students submitting SAT score	79.0%	49.0%
Students submitting ACT score	46.0%	16.0%
Total number of applicants	51,207	34,656
Total number of admissions given out	15,431	23,109
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,787	4,875
Yield rate	44.0%	21.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $21,431 Out of state: $43,709	In state: $36,394 Out of state: $51,426
Average net price	$9,809	$22,996
Tuition	In state: $4,477 Out of state: $25,694	In state: $19,092 Out of state: $34,124
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,800 Meal plan: $4,600	Room/dormitory: $6,880 Meal plan: $4,940
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $12,758	74.0% Average amount $12,822
Students receiving federal student loan	9.0% Average amount $4,927	51.0% Average amount $5,334
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $17,527	12.0% Average amount $19,190

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,876 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%	23,885 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Graduate students	20,905 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	9,345 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	16.5%	39.6%
International students	8.0%	8.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	11,373	8,760
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida New York New Jersey Georgia Virginia	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Health Professions Business Communication and Journalism Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	90.9%	84.3%
Dropout rate	2.5%	3.0%
Transferred out	5.7%	12.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $236,746 Year 2: $182,280 Year 3: $190,105 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $105,121 Year 2: $124,099 Year 3: $145,544 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $94,054 Year 2: $113,841 Year 3: $123,288 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,886 Year 2: $101,327 Year 3: $114,115 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,755 Year 2: $96,183 Year 3: $108,258 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,716 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $107,267 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,155 Year 2: $91,363 Year 3: $103,214 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $98,110 Year 2: $92,885 Year 3: $98,739 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,353 Year 2: $90,146 Year 3: $98,185 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,540 Year 2: $88,546 Year 3: $97,968	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 the University of Florida (UF) and the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) in terms of location and campus environment?

The University of Florida is located in Gainesville, a mid-sized city in north-central Florida, offering a classic college-town atmosphere with warm weather year-round. The University of Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is situated in the vibrant Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a major city with distinct seasons and a more urban campus environment. UF provides a more traditional, sprawling campus experience, while Pitt's campus is integrated into the city, offering easy access to cultural attractions, professional opportunities, and a diverse urban lifestyle.
How do UF and Pitt compare in terms of academic focus and strengths?

The University of Florida is a comprehensive public research university with strengths across many disciplines, particularly in agriculture, engineering, business, and health sciences. It's known for its strong pre-professional programs. The University of Pittsburgh also excels in research, especially in health sciences (including its renowned medical center), engineering, and humanities. Pitt has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and global engagement. While both are strong research institutions, UF has a more pronounced focus on agriculture and related fields, while Pitt is particularly strong in medicine and related health fields.
What are the typical tuition costs and financial aid opportunities at UF and Pitt?

Tuition costs vary significantly depending on residency. Generally, the University of Florida offers lower tuition rates for in-state students compared to the University of Pittsburgh's in-state rates. Out-of-state tuition at both institutions is considerably higher. Both universities offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's best to visit the financial aid websites of both UF and Pitt to get personalized estimates based on your family's financial situation and academic profile. UF often has more state-funded aid available for Florida residents.
How do the student populations and campus cultures differ between UF and Pitt?

The University of Florida has a larger undergraduate student population than the University of Pittsburgh. UF's campus culture is often described as spirited and traditional, with a strong emphasis on athletics and school pride. The University of Pittsburgh's student body is more diverse geographically, and the campus culture is more integrated with the city's cultural scene. While both universities offer a wide range of student organizations and activities, UF's social life tends to revolve more around campus events and Greek life, while Pitt's offers more opportunities to explore the city's offerings.
What are the admission requirements and acceptance rates for UF and Pitt?

Both the University of Florida and the University of Pittsburgh are selective institutions, but UF generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate, making it marginally more competitive. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), essays, and extracurricular activities. It's important to check the specific requirements for each university on their respective admissions websites, as they may change from year to year. Both universities value well-rounded applicants with a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and community involvement.
How do UF and Pitt compare in terms of career services and job placement rates?

Both the University of Florida and the University of Pittsburgh offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, internship opportunities, and job fairs. UF benefits from its strong alumni network in Florida and its connections to industries within the state. Pitt leverages its location in a major city with a diverse economy, providing students with access to internships and job opportunities in various sectors. Both universities have good job placement rates for their graduates, but the specific industries and geographic locations where graduates find employment may differ based on the universities' strengths and locations.
What are the housing options like at UF and Pitt?

The University of Florida offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional dormitories, suite-style residences, and apartment-style living. Many students, especially upperclassmen, choose to live off-campus in the surrounding Gainesville area. The University of Pittsburgh also provides a range of on-campus housing options, from traditional dorms to apartment-style residences. Because Pitt's campus is integrated into the city, off-campus housing options are readily available and often consist of apartments and houses in the Oakland neighborhood and surrounding areas. Both universities offer housing for students with different needs and preferences.
How do the athletic programs at UF and Pitt compare?

The University of Florida is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and is known for its highly competitive athletic programs, particularly in football, basketball, and baseball. UF's athletic events are a major part of the campus culture. The University of Pittsburgh is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and also has strong athletic programs, especially in football, basketball, and volleyball. While both universities have passionate fan bases, UF's athletic program generally receives more national attention due to its success in high-profile sports.
What kind of research opportunities are available to undergraduate students at UF and Pitt?

Both the University of Florida and the University of Pittsburgh are research-intensive universities that offer numerous research opportunities for undergraduate students. UF provides opportunities through its various colleges and research centers, particularly in areas like agriculture, engineering, and medicine. Pitt offers research opportunities through its strong medical school, engineering school, and other departments. Students can get involved in research by working in faculty labs, participating in research programs, and presenting their findings at conferences. Both universities encourage undergraduate research as a valuable learning experience.
How does the surrounding city impact the student experience at UF and Pitt?

Gainesville, where UF is located, is a classic college town with a relaxed atmosphere and a focus on student life. The city offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities, but it is primarily geared towards the university community. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is a major city with a diverse economy, a rich cultural scene, and a wide range of entertainment options. Pitt students have easy access to museums, theaters, restaurants, sporting events, and professional opportunities. The urban environment of Pittsburgh provides a more diverse and dynamic experience compared to the more traditional college-town setting of Gainesville.

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