Official emblem of University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, United States • Founded 1787 • World Rank #93

Updated May 2026

Overview

Founded: 1787
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #93
Rank in United States: #26
Motto: Veritas et Virtus
Colours: Blue and gold
Mascot: Roc the Panther
Around University of Pittsburgh campus
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Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Pittsburgh (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania.

This institution also has branch campuses in Greensburg, Johnstown, Bradford and Titusville. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, University of Pittsburgh is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.

University of Pittsburgh offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 237-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. University of Pittsburgh also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Planning a visit to University of Pittsburgh or following up with admissions? Location and contact details are listed below. Admissions email typically replies within 5–10 business days during peak season.

Address: 4200 Fifth Avenue
Postal Code: 15260
Phone: +1 (412) 624 4141
Fax: +1
Social Media:

Academic Details

Key statistics on University of Pittsburgh's student population, faculty size, and external recognition. International vs domestic student split is often missing from these figures but matters for campus culture.

Recognition: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Student Enrollment: 25
Academic Staff Range: 4,500-4,999
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of American Universities (AAU) Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

University of Pittsburgh's academic units, organised by type. Recently formed faculties (post-merger or post-split) often have updated curricula and may carry less institutional history than older units.

Unit 17 items
  • College of Business Administration
  • College of General Studies
  • Graduate School of Public Health
  • Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
  • Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
  • School of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Dental Medicine
  • School of Education
  • School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • School of Information Sciences
  • School of Law
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmacy
  • School of Social Work
  • Swanson School of Engineering
  • University Honors College

Programs Offered

The programme finder below covers every degree University of Pittsburgh currently offers. Programme codes here often map to international classification systems used for credential recognition abroad.

108 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Doctorate 28 programmes

Doctorate in Materials Science & Engineering
Doctorate in Mathematics
Doctorate in Mathematics Education
Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering
Doctorate in Microbiology & Immunology
Doctorate in Molecular Biophysics & Structural Biology
Doctorate in Molecular Genetics & Developmental Biology
Doctorate in Molecular Pharmacology
Doctorate in Music
Doctorate in Neuroscience

Showing 10 of 28.

Other Programs 80 programmes

Marketing Science
Marketing Science & Business Analytics
Mathematical Biology
Mathematics - Economics
Media & Professional Communications
Medical Product Innovation
Medicine
Medicine & Business Administration
Medieval & Renaissance Studies
Mediterranean Studies

Showing 10 of 80.

How to apply to University of Pittsburgh

Five steps that capture how most applications to University of Pittsburgh flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of Pittsburgh runs 108 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Before applying to University of Pittsburgh, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of Pittsburgh's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.pitt.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (412) 624 4141. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Pittsburgh

Quick answers to the most common questions about University of Pittsburgh — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.

When was University of Pittsburgh founded?

University of Pittsburgh was established in 1787 (approximately 239 years ago).

What city is University of Pittsburgh in?

University of Pittsburgh operates from Pittsburgh, United States.

Is University of Pittsburgh public or private?

University of Pittsburgh is a public institution.

How big is University of Pittsburgh's student body?

University of Pittsburgh serves approximately 25,000-29,999 students.

Where does University of Pittsburgh stand in university rankings?

University of Pittsburgh is ranked #93 globally and #26 in United States.

How is University of Pittsburgh organised academically?

University of Pittsburgh is organised into 17 academic units across its disciplines.

Who recognises University of Pittsburgh?

Yes, University of Pittsburgh is recognised by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Where can I learn more about University of Pittsburgh?

The institution's website is www.pitt.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

National rankings in the United States often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.

Members of Association of American Universities (AAU)

Joint research grants among Association of American Universities (AAU) members create funded collaborations that often extend to graduate-student opportunities. The network listed below collaborates regularly with University of Pittsburgh.

Faculties at nearby universities

The universities below sit close to University of Pittsburgh geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.

Universities Compared with University of Pittsburgh

Admissions advisor commonalities exist within peer tiers — advisors recommending University of Pittsburgh often recommend the universities below alongside it as natural cross-applications.

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