Pitt vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus and Rutgers University-New Brunswick, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Pitt vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick at a glance
Pitt admits 58.1% of applicants and Rutgers University-New Brunswick 58.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $29,362 at Pitt and $24,897 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Six-year graduation rates are 85.8% and 83.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Pitt admits 58.1% of applicants and Rutgers University-New Brunswick 58.2%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $29,362 a year at Pitt and $24,897 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick; Rutgers University-New Brunswick costs $4,465 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $16,477 at Pitt and $15,090 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
- 85.8% of students graduate within six years at Pitt, against 83.9% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $73,113 for Pitt and $80,490 for Rutgers University-New Brunswick; Rutgers University-New Brunswick is $7,377 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $23,000 at Pitt and $18,974 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
- Pitt enrolls 20,370 students (large city) and Rutgers University-New Brunswick 37,751 (small city).
Side by side
Pitt and Rutgers University-New Brunswick in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Pitt | Rutgers University-New Brunswick |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 58.1% | 58.2% |
| Applicants | 34,656 | 43,161 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1280–1460 | 1310–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–33 | 28–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $29,362 | $24,897 |
| Tuition, in state | $22,736 | $18,824 |
| Tuition, out of state | $43,432 | $39,649 |
| Cost of attendance | $38,719 | $36,096 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $16,477 | $15,090 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,485 | $17,496 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,080 | $18,838 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $28,146 | $24,156 |
| Over $110,000 | $35,864 | $34,232 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.8% | 83.9% |
| First-year retention | 92% | 93% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $73,113 | $80,490 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $23,000 | $18,974 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $261 | $216 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 20,370 | 37,751 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA | New Brunswick, NJ |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Pitt reports 104 bachelor's programs and Rutgers University-New Brunswick 100; 75 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Pitt vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Pitt or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Pitt is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Pitt admits 58.1% of applicants and Rutgers University-New Brunswick admits 58.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Pitt 1280–1460; Rutgers University-New Brunswick 1310–1500.
Which is cheaper, Pitt or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has the lower average net price after grants: $29,362 a year at Pitt against $24,897 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $16,477 and $15,090. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Pitt or Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more at the median: $73,113 ten years after entry for Pitt and $80,490 for Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median federal debt at graduation is $23,000 and $18,974.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Pitt or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Pitt does: 85.8% of Pitt students graduate within six years, against 83.9% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
How big are Pitt and Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Pitt has 20,370 students in Pittsburgh, PA and Rutgers University-New Brunswick has 37,751 students in New Brunswick, NJ.