University of Pittsburgh SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Pitt is test-optional, but the numbers show that optional does not mean irrelevant: admitted students typically bring a 29–33 ACT and a 4.08 average GPA. If your grades are in range, aim near a 33 ACT to make your academic case stronger.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Pittsburgh facts and stats
University of Pittsburgh enrolls 20,418 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Pitt has a 92% freshman retention rate, which is well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 85% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
Pittsburgh, PA
How do your scores compare at Pitt?
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Key University of Pittsburgh application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
July 30
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Pitt, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for superscore-focused retakes, with a December retake still likely to arrive before Pitt’s July 30 Regular Decision deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
At Pitt, a public ACC university, in-state tuition is $20,556 and out-of-state tuition is $40,060. About 43% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
For out-of-state students, Pitt’s tuition is $40,060, with room and board adding $13,620; in-state tuition is $20,556. About 43% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $18,561. Pitt also reports an average merit award of $8,027, which can help reduce the billed cost for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $39,905.
Student life at University of Pittsburgh
41% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 9% of men join fraternities, and 12% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn, PAAcceptance rate: 82.9%
Albright College
Reading, PAAcceptance rate: 76.3%
Allegheny College
Meadville, PAAcceptance rate: 54.5%
SAT: 1165–1355
ACT: 24–30
DeSales University
Center Valley, PAAcceptance rate: 77.1%
SAT: 1100–1240
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