33 Colleges in Pittsburgh, PA: The Area’s Complete Guide

There are many colleges in Pittsburgh! From community colleges to world-renowned universities, there is something for everyone.   No matter if you are from the western Pennsylvania area, or outside of the region, the Pittsburgh area boasts an abundance of post-secondary education options.

Here are some general points to know about colleges in Pittsburgh:

• There are 7 institutions within City of Pittsburgh limits, 4 near the Oakland section and 3 near Downtown.
• Penn State University offers 4 branch locations in the area; the University of Pittsburgh offers 2 branches plus its main campus in Pittsburgh.
• There are 4 systems of community colleges across southwestern PA. CCAC is the largest, with campuses on Pittsburgh’s North Side and in the suburbs.
• Most four-year colleges and universities in the region had a 2018 net price between $15,000 to $25,000. The national average for Net Price was just over $15,000,

Below are short summaries of the 33 colleges in Pittsburgh, perfect for a high school student that is just beginning to search.  This list restricts geographically, generally limiting to colleges within 100 miles of Pittsburgh.  It contains general information about each college or university, including data on size, location, campus life, notable majors and financial aid.

Finally, tuition and net price costs are provided.  This data was extracted from the “College Affordability and Transparency Data Files, 2018”.  The values shown were for the 2018-19 academic year (two semesters).  Tuitions shown are for in-state / in-district students, when applicable.  Net price is an estimate of actual out-of-pocket costs.  It is based on tuition minus financial aid, plus room and board costs, books and fees.  For less expensive schools, net price is typically higher than tuition, but for more expensive schools, net price can be substantially less than tuition.

Now without further delay, on to the list of 33 universities and colleges in Pittsburgh!

Art Institute of Pittsburgh

NOTE:  The Art Institute at this location is closed indefinitely.

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. There were 10 organizations, including Business, Newspaper, Radio & Theater, but no sports or intramurals.  This was one of the top art colleges in Pittsburgh.

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. The average student loan amount was around $7,000.

Notable majors included: 18 Majors, including Graphic design, Cinematography & Film, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Computer Graphics, Animation, Commercial Photography, Apparel & Accessories Marking Operations and Culinary Services

http://www.artinstitutes.edu/pittsburgh/
420 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15219
40.43751091, -79.99944782

Butler County Community College

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. The school is located in a country setting on 320 acres, about a mile south of the City of Butler on the former Oak Hills Golf Course property.

Notable majors include: Business, Nursing & Physical Therapy, Science & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences. 60 Programs, 75 Distance Learning Classes.

Tuition: $4,950, Net Price:  $3,988

http://www.bc3.edu/index.asp
107 College Drive, Butler, Pennsylvania 16002
40.8295607, -79.9126613

California University of PA

California University is situated within the college town of the same name, in the Monongahela Valley of Pennsylvania. The 92-acre campus is adjacent to the town, and has had significant recent remodeling of several 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. The most recognizable building, “Old Main”, has been designated a historic public landmark.

Notable majors include: Sport & Fitness Administration, Education (Elementary), Business Administration, Nursing, Engineering Technology, Accounting, Communications, etc.

Tuition: $11,108, Net Price:  $18,780

http://www.calu.edu
250 University Avenue California, PA 15419
40.062166, -79.89366

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. Carlow also provides several Distance Learning Opportunities.

Popular majors at Carlow University include Nursing, Education, Business Admin., Biology, Psychology, and Art Studies

http://www.carlow.edu/
3333 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213
40.43910749, -79.9632221

Tuition: $29,454, Net Price:  $19,787

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. CMU offers 17 varsity teams that compete in NCAA Division III, and their mascot is the “Tartans”, keeping in line with the overall Scottish theme of the university, in honor of the heritage of its founder.

Notable majors include: Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, etc.), Computer Science, Business Admin., Architecture, Finance, Biology, Economics, Drama, Art Studies, Systems Science, Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.

http://www.cmu.edu/
5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213
40.44382746, -79.94332748

Tuition: $55,465, Net Price:  $30,847

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). This larger campus is the home to Chatham’s School of Sustainability & the Environment.

Notable majors include: Biology, Education, Nursing, Psychology, etc.

http://www.chatham.edu/
1 Woodland Road Pittsburgh, PA 15232
40.45130358, -79.92551969

Tuition: $37,611, Net Price:  $25,687

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 Eduacation 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. Numerous online programs are also offered, primarily by Internet, with over 650 credit courses offered.

Notable majors include: Education (Elementary), Media Studies, Business Administration, Psychology, Biology, Marketing, English Lit., Nursing, Finance, etc.

http://www.clarion.edu/
840 Wood Street Clarion, PA 16214
41.2105544, -79.3800489

Tuition: $11,175, Net Price:  $19,297

Community College of Allegheny County

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 convienient 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. After 2 years, students may either transfer to a 4-year college or commence their employment.

Notable majors include: Sciences, Social Sciences, History, Humanities, Computer Competency, Foreign Language, The Arts

http://www.ccac.edu
800 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233-1895
40.45112748, -80.01847627

Tuition: $4,315, Net Price:  $8,377

Community College of Beaver County

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. Online classes are also available.

Notable majors include: Nursing, Aviation, Business, Education, Culinary Arts, Criminal Justice, Arts & Sciences, EMS / Fire & Rescue Training, etc.

http://www.ccbc.edu/
1 Campus Drive, Monaca, Pennsylvania 15061-2588
40.6550444, -80.3047048

Tuition: $5,970, Net Price:  $8,350

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. It is also a popular commuter school due to its proximity to public transportation, and is known for its proximity to the Consol Energy Center, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Notable majors include: Nursing, Healthcare, Education, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Biology, Communications, Psychology, Music, etc.

http://www.duq.edu/
600 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15282
40.43693033, -79.99079251

Tuition: $38,178, Net Price:  $30,710

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. Geneva is known for providing a solid education in a friendly setting without the excessive partying that other schools may be known for.

Some of the more notable majors at Geneva College incluce Business Administration, Human Resource Mgmt, Education, Social Work, Biblical Studies, Theology & Engineering.

http://www.geneva.edu/
3200 College Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010
40.7721652, -80.3211196

Tuition: $27,230, Net Price:  $20,303

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 closest landmark is the Grove City Outlet shops along I-79.

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. There are over 130 clubs and organizations as well as 20 Christian ministries.

Notable majors offered include Biology, Education, English Literature, Accounting, Communications, History, Political Science, Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical) & Religious Studies.

http://gcc.edu/
100 Campus Dr, Grove City, Pennsylvania 16127-2104
41.1560132, -80.078018

Tuition: $18,930, Net Price:  $21,187

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

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. 70% of the students live off-campus.

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. The IUP “Crimson Hawks” play in NCAA Division 2 (Football), with 5 varsity men’s and 8 varsity women’s sports.

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. Other notable majors include: Marketing, Human Resource Management, Finance, Accounting, Biology, Registered Nursing, Health & Physical Education & Visual / Performing Arts.

The Masters in Business Management program is very popular, and the Online Graduate Criminal Justice Program rates in the Top 10 across the country! 60% of the graduate students attend part-time.

http://www.iup.edu/
1011 South Dr 201 Sutton Hall, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705-1098
40.61735084, -79.15796339

Tuition: $12,979, Net Price:  $19,646

La Roche College

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 in 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. La Roche competes in NCAA Division 3, with 6 male and 6 female sports programs.

Notable majors include: Interior Architecture, Management Science, Accounting, Marketing, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Design & Visual Communications, Medical Professions / Radiology

http://www.laroche.edu/
9000 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15237
40.5703003, -80.0135665

Tuition: $28,564, Net Price:  $21,720

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. Over 90% receive grants and / or student loans.

Distance Education is available, as well as ROTC and Study Abroad programs, as well as weekend / evening classes. The college competes in NCAA Division 3 with 6 men’s and 8 women’s varsity sports.

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. There is a small Master’s Degree program; degrees include MS in Business and Mental Health Counseling.

http://www.mtaloy.edu/
7373 Admiral Peary Hwy, Cresson, PA 16630-1999
40.46056219, -78.60149807

Tuition: $23,110, Net Price:  $20,914

Penn State – Beaver Campus

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. Students also participate in 4 varsity men’s and 4 women’s sports on campus.

Notable majors at the Bachelor’s level include Business Management & Administration, Information Science, Criminal Justice and Psychology.

http://www.beaver.psu.edu/
100 University Drive, Monaca, PA 15061
40.6781967, -80.2963834

Tuition: $13,702, Net Price:  $16,711

Penn State – Fayette / Eberly Campus

The Fayette branch of Penn State (Eberly Campus) is located along US Route 119, between Uniontown and Connellsville. With only around 800 students and a student to faculty ratio of 11:1, class sizes are typically small. PSU Eberly also is a popular choice for older students and those returning to college; over a quarter of the student population is over 25 years old. Like most of the PSU branch campuses, Distance Learning and Study Abroad programs are available, but also weekend and evening classes are offered here. The admissions rate is around 85%.

Some of the more notable majors include Business Administration and Registered Nursing at the Associate Level. PSU Fayette / Eberly is known for it’s Mining Technology Program, and is one of the largest programs on campus. At the Bachelor level, popular programs include Business Administration and Management, Human Development, Registered Nursing and Criminal Justice.

http://www.fe.psu.edu/
2201 University Drive, Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania 15456
39.9461876, -79.65590802

Tuition: $13,702, Net Price:  $16,496

Penn State – Greater Allegheny (McKeesport) Campus

Penn State – Greater Allegheny is located in McKeesport, PA near the McKeesport Area High School. 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. Students also participate in 5 varsity men’s and 5 women’s sports on campus.

Notable majors at the Bachelor’s level include Business Management & Administration, English / Literature and Psychology.

http://ga.psu.edu
4000 University Drive, McKeesport, Pennsylvania 15132
40.3440222, -79.8271751

Tuition: $13,702, Net Price:  $17,855

Penn State – New Kensington Campus

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. Distance learning and Study Abroad programs are also offered.

http://nk.psu.edu/
3550 Seventh Street Road, New Kensington, Pennsylvania 15068
40.548957, -79.6962167

Tuition: $13,702, Net Price:  $17,533

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. Notable majors offered include Business / Commerce, Computer & Information Systems, Teaching Assistance, Medical Assistance, Criminology & Liberal Arts General Studies.

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. Distance learning and weekend / evening classes are available.

PA Highlands Community College competes in NCAA Division 3 for Men’s Basketball & Women’s Volleyball.

http://www.pennhighlands.edu/
101 Community College Way, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904
40.2640611, -78.8369429

Tuition: $5,820, Net Price:  $4,754

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. PPU is especially known for its Baseball program.

Notable majors include Business Management & Administration, Visual & Performing Arts (Cinematography, Drama, Theater, Dance), Criminal Justice, Education, Engineering Technology, and Computer IT.

http://www.pointpark.edu/
201 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222
40.43870102, -80.001199578

Tuition: $31,450, Net Price:  $21,713

Robert Morris University

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. Around half of the students live on campus; there is a rather large commuting population.

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 school also offers ROTC, Distance Learning & Study Abroad Programs as well as weekend & evening classes.

The “Booby Mo” Colonials compete in NCAA Division 1-AA for 8 Men’s & 11 Women’s Sports, including Football, Basketball, Hockey, Track & Rowing. The Colonials are perhaps known best for their Basketball Programs.

Robert Morris University also maintains a smaller, Downtown Pittsburgh campus.

Notable majors include Business Administration, Accounting, Marketing, Speech Communications, Finance, Education, Nursing, Sports & Fitness Management, Design & Visual Communications, Psychology. RMU is known on the Graduate level for its Business & Education Programs.

http://www.rmu.edu/
6001 University BlvdMoon, PA 15108
40.51894945, -80.21236222

Tuition: $30,300, Net Price:  $25,690

Saint 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. There are no fraternities or sororities on campus, but the college does offer 9 men’s and 9 women’s varsity sports, competing in NCAA Division 3 with football.

Some of the more popular majors on campus include Biology, Business Administration, Accounting, History, Marketing, Psychology, English Literature, Elementary Education and Political Science. On the Master’s Level, programs include Education, Special Education and Nursing Anesthetist.

http://www.stvincent.edu/home
300 Fraser Purchase Rd, Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650-2690
40.2924241, -79.4056599

Tuition: $35,748, Net Price:  $23,847

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. Study abroad, distance courses and weekend / evening programs are available.

Popular majors of Seton Hill students include: Business Administration, Marketing, Biology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Medial Assistance and Elementary Education.

http://www.setonhill.edu/
1 Seton Hill Dr, Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601
40.30878243, -79.55635172

Tuition: $35,748, Net Price:  $23,847

Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock University (SRU) is located on a 650-acre campus in Butler County, PA, north of Moraine State Park. It consistently ranks high among students in student life, with plenty to do on campus and nearby. 65% live off-campus, and only 2% participate in Greek Life. SRU employs over 300 full-time faculty, but has a high student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1. Most classes have over 20 students. Around two thirds of those who apply are admitted. The freshman retention rate is 80%, and the graduation rate is around 70%. Slippery Rock University competes in NCAA Division 2, with 5 men’s and 8 women’s varsity sports, and is especially noted for its Track program.

Notable majors at SRU include Business Administration, Special Education, Elementary Education, Registered Nursing, Criminology, Athletic Training, Health & Physical Education, History, Psychology, Sociology, and Occupational Safety. Education and health-related majors are especially popular. On the Master’s Degree level, SRU is well-known for its Special Education and Counseling Psychology programs.

http://www.sru.edu/index/pages/home.aspx
1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057-1383
41.0600055, -80.0508919

Tuition: $10,757, Net Price:  $17,617

University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh is the centerpiece of the busy Oakland section of Pittsburgh, situated on 145 acres of urban space.  One of the most prominent colleges in western PA, the towering “Cathedral of Learning” dominates the skyline and serves as the University’s most recognizable entity, and is known for its 27 Nationality Rooms which are open to the public. As a national university, it provides the most areas of study of all the colleges in southwestern Pennsylvania. It is consistently ranked within the Top 25 Research Universities and maintains a working relationship with nearby Carnegie Mellon University. The Pittsburgh “Panthers” compete in NCAA Division I with 19 varsity sports, with Football and Basketball getting the most attention on a national scale. Pitt has a vibrant Greek Life (with around a 10% participation rate) and offers numerous student organizations, and is known for many traditions such as the “Bigelow Bash” spring festival and the Forbes Field Home Plate Slide. The home plate is preserved in its original location on the floor of a hallway inside of Posvar Hall. Oakland is only 3 miles from downtown Pittsburgh and has excellent bus service.

The student-to-faculty ratio at Pitt is 14:1, with around 4,800 full-time professors. There are also 70 part-time professors and nearly 2,000 graduate assistants. The admissions rate is around 55%. Freshman who attend Pitt tend to be happy here, with a high 95% retention rate and a graduation rate of around 80%. Distance learning is available on both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as ROTC programs.

The University of Pittsburgh is so large that it offers just about any program that you would be interested in. However, it is high-ranking in Medicine, Engineering and Education, in particular. Here are some of the most popular majors, by level of degree:

Certificate: Ethnic & Gender Studies
Undergraduate: Finance, Accounting, Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, chemical, Biomedical, Computer, Electrical, Industrial), Creative Writing, Political Science, Speech, English Composition, Economics, Nursing, Rehabilitation Services & Therapeutic Professions, History, Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry, Art History, Visual & Performing Arts
Graduate: Business Administration, Information Science, Education, Engineering, Rehabilitation Services, Social Work, Library Science, Public Administration, Pharmacy
Doctorate: Biological & Biomedical Science, Engineering, Pharmacy, Medicine

http://www.pitt.edu/
4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
40.44427778, -79.95326694

Tuition: $19,080, Net Price:  $24,040

University of Pittsburgh – Greensburg Campus

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (UPG) is a branch campus of the University of Pittsburgh located south of Greensburg near Routes 119 and 30. Being affiliated with Pitt, the school offers programs such as ROTC, Distance Learning and Study Abroad. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, with 75 full time professors. The admissions rate is around 75%, with about the same percentage for freshman retention. The graduation rate is around 55%. Although there is no football, the UPG does offer 6 men’s and 6 women’s varsity sports, competing in NCAA Division III.

Some of the more popular majors offered at this campus location include Business Commerce, Psychology, Early Childhood & Secondary Education, Creative Writing, English Composition, Criminal Justice, History, Chemistry & Political Science.

http://www.greensburg.pitt.edu/
150 Finoli Drive, Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601-5860
40.2765886, -79.5315905

Tuition: $13,890, Net Price:  $19,726

University of Pittsburgh – Johnstown Campus

The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ) is a branch campus of the University of Pittsburgh located southeast of Johnstown near Route 219. Being affiliated with Pitt, the school offers programs such as ROTC, Distance Learning and Study Abroad. The student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1, with 140 full time professors. The admissions rate is around 80%, with about the same percentage for freshman retention. The graduation rate is around 50%. Although there is no football, UPJ does offer 6 men’s and 4 women’s varsity sports, competing in NCAA Division II.

Some of the more popular majors offered at this campus location include Biology, Business Commerce, Computer Science, Psychology, Civil Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Early Childhood & Secondary Education, English Composition, Criminal History, and Geology.

http://www.upj.pitt.edu/
450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904
40.2675162, -78.8356823

Tuition: $13,876, Net Price:  $17,961

Washington & Jefferson College

Located in busy Washington, PA, W&J is one of the oldest institutions in the area. Situated on a 60-acre picturesque campus in the heart of the city, this selective college ranks #100 nationally for Top Liberal Arts Colleges. Only 40% of those who apply are admitted. The W&J community is close-knit, with 95% of the student body residing on campus. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1 with 110 full-time faculty. Among freshmen, there is a high 85% retention rate, and the school boasts a graduation rate of around 75%. The academic calendar is not semester-based, but uses a 4-1-4 system. Washington & Jefferson offers 71 clubs and organizations for the students, and there is a high level of Greek life, with 40% participating in a sorority or fraternity. W&J competes within NCAA Division 3 (for football), and offers 13 men’s & 13 women’s varsity sports.

Notable majors offered include Biology, Commerce, Accounting, Psychology, English Literature, Education, History, & Political Science

http://www.washjeff.edu/
60 S Lincoln St, Washington, Pennsylvania 15301
40.1704938, -80.2409866

Tuition: $47,964, Net Price:  $28,518

Waynesburg University

Situated on 30 acres in the college town of the same name, Waynesburg University offers programs at the Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels. WU has an admissions rate of 85%, with 80% freshman retention and a graduation rate of 60%. 60% of the student body is female, and 95% of the undergraduates are full-time students (25% of graduate students). Two thirds live on campus. Waynesburg competes within NCAA Division 3 (in Football) and offers 10 Men’s and 10 Women’s varsity sports, along with 69 clubs and organizations.

Waynesburg University is known for its Nursing and Education programs. Other notable majors offered include: Business Administration, Biology, Speech Communications, Public Administration, Accounting, Forensic Science and Criminal Justice. On the Master’s Degree level, popular majors include Business Administration, Education Technology and Counseling Psychology.

https://www.waynesburg.edu
51 W College St, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania 15370-1257
39.89948765, -80.18989173

Tuition: $24,820, Net Price:  $19,084

Westminster College

Westminster College is located in a rural setting, in the heart of Amish Country, near New Wilmington, PA. The college has a very low student-to-faculty ratio (10:1) and nearly 70% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. Freshman are happy at Westminster, with a 85% retention rate. Westminster is not as selective as some nearby schools, with 95% of those who apply being admitted. The graduation rate is 75%.

Westminster has a vibrant Greek life and offers nearly 70 clubs and organizations on campus. New Wilmington is a quaint, quiet town, and is located only minutes away from the Grove City Outlet shops. Study Abroad programs are available.

Some of the more notable majors offered at Westminster include Biology, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Relations, English Literature, Education, Chemistry, Physics, Political Science and Sociology.

http://www.westminster.edu/
319 South Market Street, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania 16172
41.11772341, -80.33134297

Tuition: $36,806, Net Price:  $21,587

Westmoreland County Community College

Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC) offers local students a variety of 2-year programs at an affordable price. The main 80-acre campus is in Youngwood, but there are several campus sites throughout the county. Distance learning, weekend & evening classes are available for those who are working during the day. There is an open admissions policy, but the graduation rate is only around 20%. Half of the students attend full-time, and roughly 35% are aged 25 or older. Most students are female, by a 2:1 margin. There is a large degree of diversity as far as where students are in their professional lives.

WCCC offers over 60 Associate’s Degree programs, 12 Diploma and 38 Certificate Programs. Notable majors include: Associates: Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Information Science, Networking, Registered Nursing, Family Services, Education, Medical Assistance. Certificate: Welding Technology, Well Drilling, Administrative Assistance. WCCC also offers an array of non-credit courses for the community.

https://westmoreland.edu/
145 Pavilion Ln, Youngwood, PA 15697
40.234377, -79.5651

Tuition: $5,214, Net Price:  $6,772

 

I hope that you will consider attending one of these top colleges in Pittsburgh.  It is truly a great region to live and explore!  If you find any errors in the information provided above, please contact me at brett@swpenna.com.