Pittsburgh Colleges and Universities: A Comprehensive Guide

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a hub for higher education, boasting a diverse range of colleges and universities catering to various academic interests and career aspirations. This guide provides a detailed overview of the institutions serving the Pittsburgh area, including both public and private four-year colleges, community colleges, and specialized institutions. It covers key aspects such as academic programs, campus environment, student life, and career opportunities, offering valuable insights for prospective students and lifelong learners.

Four-Year Colleges and Universities

The Pittsburgh area is home to numerous four-year colleges and universities, each with its unique strengths and offerings. These institutions provide a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering academic excellence and preparing students for successful careers.

Public Institutions

Several public four-year colleges and universities are located near Pittsburgh, offering affordable and accessible education to a diverse student population.

University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh, a top-ranked public university in Pennsylvania, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. In 2024, the University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus awarded 5,479 bachelor's degrees, 1,831 master's degrees, and 1,186 doctoral degrees. The university has a strong academic reputation, with an overall Niche Grade of A. The acceptance rate is 50%, and the net price is $24,338. The university's over-enrollment this year has been a concern for some students.

PennWest California

PennWest California, formerly known as California University, is situated in the Monongahela Valley of Pennsylvania. The 92-acre campus has undergone significant remodeling of its buildings and facilities. CALU is well-known for its sports, education, and business programs and is a perennial powerhouse in the NCAA Division II sports programs (PSAC Conference). Online classes are available through the “Cal U Global Online” program. The school has a small-town atmosphere and offers over 170 clubs & organizations for its students. In 2024, the university awarded 312 bachelor's degrees, 137 master's degrees, and 4 doctoral degrees. The overall Niche Grade is B, with an acceptance rate of 94% and a net price of $19,579.

University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg provides a supportive and engaging learning environment. The overall Niche Grade is C, with an acceptance rate of 98% and a net price of $17,196.

Penn State Greater Allegheny

Penn State Greater Allegheny, located in McKeesport, PA, is a branch campus of Pennsylvania State University. As a branch campus of Pennsylvania State University, there are Distance Learning and Study Abroad programs available. It is slightly more selective than other branch campuses, but 75% are admitted that apply. The graduation rate is around 40%. There are 37 full-time professors, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. In 2024, the university awarded 56 bachelor's degrees. The overall Niche Grade is C+, with an acceptance rate of 95% and a net price of $14,933.

Penn State Beaver

Penn State Beaver is located in Monaca, PA near the Beaver Valley Mall and Beaver Valley Expressway. As a branch campus of Pennsylvania State University, there are Distance Learning and Study Abroad programs available. 80% are admitted that apply, but around a quarter of the freshmen leave after the first year. The graduation rate is around 40%. 90% of the students receive some form of student aid. There are 34 full time professors, with a 16:1 student to faculty ratio. The overall Niche Grade is C+, with an acceptance rate of 92% and a net price of $19,329.

Penn State New Kensington

Penn State - New Kensington is situated to the east of New Kensington, also near the growing areas of western Westmoreland County. The school provides Associate Degree programs in fields such as Biomedical Technology and Radiology; some of the more popular Bachelor programs include Business Administration / Management, Speech Communication, Information Systems, Registered Nursing and Psychology. The class sizes are manageable with a 13:1 Student to Faculty ratio, with 38 full time professors. PSU New Kensington has an acceptance rate around 80%, and 90% of those attending receive some form of student aid. Also, 80% of the full-time freshman return for their second year. In 2024, the university awarded 60 bachelor's degrees and 12 associate degrees. The overall Niche Grade is C+, with an acceptance rate of 93% and a net price of $19,294.

Indiana University of PA (IUP)

Indiana University of PA (IUP) is part of the PA network of public colleges, and the only Doctoral Research University in the system. It is one of the larger schools, and therefore has a slightly higher student to faculty ratio (19:1), despite employing over 600 full-time faculty. IUP has an admissions rate of around 95%, but only a 50% graduation rate. Students rate the campus and facilities very highly, as well as the academics and quality of the faculty. The surrounding area of Indiana, PA maintains the feel of a college town. There are 250 campus clubs and intramurals, and less than 10% of students participate in Greek Life. There are around 130 Bachelor’s and 50 Master’s Programs to choose from. IUP is known for its Criminology program, rating in the Top 30 in the United States. Early Childhood Education & Business Management are also very popular majors on-campus. The Masters in Business Management program is very popular, and the Online Graduate Criminal Justice Program rates in the Top 10 across the country!

Slippery Rock University (SRU)

Slippery Rock University (SRU) is located on a 650-acre campus in Butler County, PA, north of Moraine State Park.

Clarion University

Clarion University is situated on 200 acres in a rural setting, adjacent to the college town of Clarion, PA. Its proximity to the Clarion River and Cook Forest State Park allow for unique outdoor recreational opportunities. The school itself is known for its Elementary Education and Business programs, and the graduate school is ranked #40 nationally for Library & Information Science programs. Clarion offers a diverse and large number of student organizations, and competes in NCAA Division II with 6 Men’s and 9 Women’s sports. Kurt Angle, an Olympic gold medalist wrestler, is a notable alumni. The university also maintains 2 branch campuses in Venango & Oil City, PA.

Private Institutions

Pittsburgh boasts a rich selection of private four-year colleges and universities, known for their specialized programs, close-knit communities, and commitment to student success.

Carnegie Mellon University

Originally founded as “Carnegie Institute of Technology” (CIT) by steel-baron Andrew Carnegie, CMU has grown into a world-class university that is comprised of 7 colleges: CIT (Engineering), Mellon College of Science, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Fine Arts, Tepper School of Business, School of Computer Science, and the Heinz College of Public Policy and Management. CMU is an international University and has the most diverse population of students of all the colleges in western PA. The campus is within walking distance of the University of Pittsburgh and Oakland, but the campus is more self-contained, featuring the grassy “Cut” and “Mall”. The campus also borders Schenley Park & Squirrel Hill. In 2024, 23,454 doctorates were completed at colleges and universities near Pittsburgh. In 2024, 3,534 master's degrees, 2,004 bachelor's degrees, and 346 doctoral degrees were earned.

Duquesne University

Duquesne University, sitting on the bluff overlooking the Monongahela River, is a well-known Catholic University, especially for Business, Nursing and Education. Located on the fringe of Downtown Pittsburgh, the school has been a Pittsburgh institution for over a century. At Duquesne, we feel fortunate to be entrusted with your gifts and your goals. developed a national reputation for academic excellence. them. You have a good sense of what you want to achieve. where everyone can be themselves. and startups-for work-and three major league sports teams for play! to your bigger goals. and career opportunities. research projects and internships. related to the major they studied at Duquesne. In 2024, 1,399 bachelor's degrees, 684 master's degrees, and 442 doctoral degrees were earned.

Chatham University

Chatham’s original campus is located in the Shadyside section of Pittsburgh, among the famed historic mansions of Pittsburgh’s elite. In fact, the 38-acre campus is housed, to a large degree, in former mansions. The grounds are naturally beautiful and have been enhanced with over 100 varieties of plant species and trees. Chatham is primarily a women’s college, except for the Colleges of Graduate Studies and Continuing & Professional Studies. The graduate school ranks nationally for Physical / Occupational Therapy and Nursing. In recent years, CU opened a second campus, “Eden Hall” in suburban Pittsburgh (Richland Township). In 2024, 271 bachelor's degrees, 243 master's degrees, and 157 doctoral degrees were earned.

Point Park University

Located in Downtown Pittsburgh, Point Park University is known for its Business Management & Administration Program as well as several other diverse majors, including Visual & Performing Arts. The university is nestled inside of Downtown, making it the most central of the colleges in Pittsburgh. It a very popular commuter school (two thirds of the students live off-campus). The majority of the students attend full-time (85%), and a quarter of the student body is age 25 or older. There is around a 70% admissions rate and 60% graduation rate. Point Park has a low student-faculty ratio for its size, 13:1, with over 140 full-time professors. The school competes in 5 Men’s and 6 Women’s varsity sports in NCAA Division 2. In 2024, 506 bachelor's degrees, 234 master's degrees, and 50 doctoral degrees were earned.

Robert Morris University (RMU)

Robert Morris University (RMU) is located on 230 acres, west of Pittsburgh in Moon Township, between the Pittsburgh International Airport & Sewickley, PA. Approximately 75% of applicants are accepted, and 80% of freshmen that attend choose to return the next year. This indicates high student satisfaction. The graduation rate is around 60%. 85% of the undergraduate student body attends full-time, while virtually all of the graduate students attend part-time. Robert Morris awards relatively large grants & scholarships, around $15,000 per student on average. The typical student loan is around $9,000. There are over 200 full-time professors, and the student-faculty ratio is around 15:1. The “Booby Mo” Colonials compete in NCAA Division 1-AA for 8 Men’s & 11 Women’s Sports, including Football, Basketball, Hockey, Track & Rowing. Notable majors include Business Administration, Accounting, Marketing, Speech Communications, Finance, Education, Nursing, Sports & Fitness Management, Design & Visual Communications, Psychology. In 2024, 614 bachelor's degrees, 291 master's degrees, and 43 doctoral degrees were earned.

Carlow University

Formerly known as Mount Mercy College, Carlow University has grown, and is one of three colleges in Pittsburgh situated near the city’s Oakland section. There are two additional locations in Cranberry & Greensburg, PA. The University is divided into two colleges plus a graduate school, the College of Arts & Sciences & the College of Professional Studies, which includes the Schools of Management, Nursing & Education. In 2024, 272 bachelor's degrees, 268 master's degrees, and 15 doctoral degrees were earned. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Carlow University.

La Roche University

La Roche College is located in the northern Pittsburgh suburbs, adjacent to the Sisters of Providence who founded the school. It is not far from North Park and is within walking distance to the newly-constructed McCandless Crossing. La Roche was originally known for its liberal and fine arts programs, but now offers an increasing number of majors and options, including Distance Learning and a Study Abroad Program. There is a 94% acceptance rate for admission. In 2024, 170 bachelor's degrees, 125 master's degrees, and 5 associate degrees were earned. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at La Roche University.

St. Vincent College

St. Vincent’s is known locally for its Seminary & as the summer home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it provides a solid education in a variety of programs, offered at its beautiful 200-acre campus near Latrobe. There is an admission rate of around 70%, an impressive freshman retention rate of 80% and a graduation rate of 75%. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, almost half of the classes have 20 or fewer students. 80% receive some sort of student aid. Saint Vincent College also offers Study Abroad, ROTC and Distance Learning Programs. Some of the more popular majors on campus include Biology, Business Administration, Accounting, History, Marketing, Psychology, English Literature, Elementary Education and Political Science.

Seton Hill University

Located on a 200-acre campus hilltop on the fringe of Greensburg, PA, Seton Hill University is a Catholic University specializing in liberal arts. The University was once primarily female, but now around 35% of the students are male. The acceptance rate is 70%, with a high freshman retention rate of 80% and graduation rate of 60%. Nearly all of the students get some sort of financial aid. There are over 50 clubs and organizations on campus, along with 7 men’s and 10 women’s varsity sports competing within NCAA Division 2.

Geneva College

Geneva College, located near Beaver Falls, is an institution that weaves a Christian world view into all areas of campus life. Geneva is situated on 55 acres, and offers a diverse array of challenging programs, from business to education to engineering. Students appreciate the community feel and small class sizes, and in recent years GU’s “Golden Tornados” have been competing in NCAA Division III.

Grove City College

Located north of Butler, PA near the I-79 / I-80 Interchange, Grove City is a faith-based college offering 50 academic fields, mainly in the liberal arts. The college has nearly a 90% admissions rate and maintains a high graduation rate of over 80%. The gorgeous campus is situated on 180 acres and is kind of isolated, with 90% of the student body living on campus. The school offers Distance Education and Study Abroad programs, and has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The GCC “Wolverines” play in NCAA Division 3, and intramural sports are also popular.

Mount Aloysius College

Mount Aloysius College is a small Catholic college in rural Cambria County, located near Route 22 in Cresson, PA, just west of Altoona. It is affiliated with the Religious Sisters of Mercy and has a 70% female student population. The college offers degrees at both the Associates and Bachelors levels of study. Classes are mostly small, with 20 students or fewer, and the student to faculty ratio is 12:1 (75 full time faculty). Around 75% of those that apply to Mount Aloysius are admitted. Distance Education is available, as well as ROTC and Study Abroad programs, as well as weekend / evening classes. Notable majors at Mt. Aloysius include Nursing, Medical Radiology and Healthcare programs at the Associates Level. Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in areas such as Business Management, Accounting, Biology & Criminal Justice.

Specialized Institutions

In addition to traditional four-year colleges and universities, Pittsburgh is home to several specialized institutions that focus on specific fields of study.

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Formerly located in the former Equitable Gas building in Downtown Pittsburgh, the Art Institute offered a large and diverse array of artistic areas of study. The academic year was divided into quarters. It was particularly known for its superb online program with an impressive list of online course options and favorable online communication. Being situated in downtown Pittsburgh, the school had a high number of commuters (70% live off-campus), but did also house a large number of students in nearby dormitories. Admissions were based on GPA mainly, with an acceptance rate around 50%. The graduation rate was around 40%. Grants & Scholarships were available, with 90% of students receiving them. The average amount of aid was near $5,000. In 2024, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh-Online Division awarded 364 bachelor's degrees and 191 associate degrees. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular. In 2024, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh awarded 125 bachelor's degrees and 23 associate degrees. Master's degrees are the most popular at Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius. In 2024, 10 master's degrees were completed. Doctoral degrees are the most popular at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. In 2024, 51 doctoral degrees were completed and 18 master's degrees were earned. Master's degrees are the most popular at Trinity Anglican Seminary. In 2024, 27 master's degrees and 3 doctoral degrees were earned.

Community Colleges

Community colleges provide accessible and affordable education, offering associate degrees, certificate programs, and transfer opportunities to four-year institutions.

Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)

CCAC is the 2nd largest community college in Pennsylvania, and the largest provider of educational services in western PA. This is in large part due to its being an affordable alternative to 4-year colleges. There are 170 academic programs to choose from, in four convenient locations around the county (North Side/Allegheny, McCandless, West Mifflin & Monroeville), plus several other centers. CCAC offers an extensive life-long learning program (non-credit) at all of its facilities as well. There are also hundreds of online courses, with 25 degree & 14 certificate programs exclusively online. There are 4 systems of community colleges across southwestern PA.

Butler County Community College (BC3)

For young adults or lifelong learners near Butler County, BC3 provides an affordable educational option for 60 degree programs in areas such as nursing, business, healthcare and tech. As a two-year institution, BC3 provides both academic and vocational tracks in earning an Associates Degree, with about a third moving on to transfer to a four-year school. In addition to the more typical areas of study, BC3 offers unique programs as well, including Forensics and Metrology, and provides 25 student organizations. 75 distance learning courses are offered online or by videotape for additional convenience. Notable majors include: Business, Nursing & Physical Therapy, Science & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences.

Community College of Beaver County (CCBC)

CCBC is an affordable option for students in Beaver County and beyond. Located just outside of Monaca near the I-376 / Route 18 interchange, this community college offers programs in over 38 associates and certificate programs. In addition, there are over 100 non-credit classes for the community, both at the school location and at various locations across Beaver County.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers over thirty 2-year Associate programs. It is located southeast of Johnstown, PA in Cambria County near US Route 219. The school is 60% female, and 60% of the students attend part time. There is only a 25% graduation rate, with another 35% transferring out. The student-faculty ratio is 17:1, with around 30 full time professors.

Cost and Accreditation

The cost of attending college near Pittsburgh varies depending on the type of institution and program. In general, the net price for nonprofit schools is around $38,041. Most four-year colleges and universities in the region had a 2022-23 net price between $15,000 to $30,000. It is important to ensure that any college or university you are considering is institutionally accredited.

Job Market Outlook in Pittsburgh

What happens after you earn your college degree in Pittsburgh? What's the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania job market outlook? In 2024, there were about 1,157,079 jobs in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. From 2023-2024, job growth in Pittsburgh was below the national average, at 1.2%. There were 130,805 job openings in the area.

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