Pitt vs Virginia Tech: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Pitt vs Virginia Tech at a glance
Pitt admits 58.1% of applicants and Virginia Tech 54.8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $29,362 at Pitt and $25,808 at Virginia Tech. Six-year graduation rates are 85.8% and 85.9%, 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 Virginia Tech 54.8%, so Virginia Tech is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $29,362 a year at Pitt and $25,808 at Virginia Tech; Virginia Tech costs $3,554 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $16,477 at Pitt and $11,378 at Virginia Tech.
- 85.8% of students graduate within six years at Pitt, against 85.9% at Virginia Tech.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $73,113 for Pitt and $88,716 for Virginia Tech; Virginia Tech is $15,603 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $23,000 at Pitt and $20,500 at Virginia Tech.
- Pitt enrolls 20,370 students (large city) and Virginia Tech 30,923 (small city).
Side by side
Pitt and Virginia Tech 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 | Virginia Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 58.1% | 54.8% |
| Applicants | 34,656 | 42,054 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1280–1460 | 1280–1450 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–33 | 28–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $29,362 | $25,808 |
| Tuition, in state | $22,736 | $16,450 |
| Tuition, out of state | $43,432 | $38,914 |
| Cost of attendance | $38,719 | $39,324 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $16,477 | $11,378 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,485 | $9,464 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $19,080 | $15,085 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $28,146 | $22,747 |
| Over $110,000 | $35,864 | $35,800 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 85.8% | 85.9% |
| First-year retention | 92% | 93.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $73,113 | $88,716 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $23,000 | $20,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $261 | $233 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 20,370 | 30,923 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA | Blacksburg, VA |
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 Virginia Tech 73; 46 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Pitt vs Virginia Tech
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Pitt or Virginia Tech?
Virginia Tech is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Pitt admits 58.1% of applicants and Virginia Tech admits 54.8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Pitt 1280–1460; Virginia Tech 1280–1450.
Which is cheaper, Pitt or Virginia Tech?
Virginia Tech has the lower average net price after grants: $29,362 a year at Pitt against $25,808 at Virginia Tech. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $16,477 and $11,378. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Pitt or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?
Virginia Tech graduates earn more at the median: $73,113 ten years after entry for Pitt and $88,716 for Virginia Tech. Median federal debt at graduation is $23,000 and $20,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Pitt or Virginia Tech?
Virginia Tech does: 85.8% of Pitt students graduate within six years, against 85.9% at Virginia Tech.
How big are Pitt and Virginia Tech?
Pitt has 20,370 students in Pittsburgh, PA and Virginia Tech has 30,923 students in Blacksburg, VA.