The University of Pittsburgh is a major public research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, anchored by the iconic Cathedral of Learning, the tallest academic building in the Western Hemisphere. Pitt is nationally ranked in philosophy, nursing, and the health sciences, and its partnership with UPMC provides students exceptional opportunities in biomedical research and clinical training.
Mascot: Panther
Notable Alumni
Gene Kelly (legendary dancer and actor)•Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers' Neighborhood)•Mike Ditka (NFL Hall of Fame coach)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Pitt's Oakland neighborhood location gives students access to Pittsburgh's increasingly cool food, arts, and brewery scene, but the urban campus means there's less of a contained college-town bubble. Greek life is present but relatively small, and the social scene is more defined by South Oakland house parties and exploring Pittsburgh's neighborhoods than by any single tradition. The Cathedral of Learning is an iconic study spot and genuine architectural marvel, and the Backyard Brawl rivalry with WVU brings out a school spirit that can otherwise feel diffuse across the city campus.
The 42-story Cathedral of Learning is one of the most breathtaking university buildings in America -- a Gothic Revival skyscraper with a half-acre Commons Room, 31 Nationality Rooms, and Samuel Yellin ironwork. The rest of the urban Oakland campus is architecturally mixed, but the Cathedral is such a singular landmark that it elevates the entire campus experience.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Pitt Police patrol the Oakland campus area 24/7 with emergency blue-light phones, late-night escorts, and electronic dorm access. Campus crime has dropped significantly in recent years.
Oakland is safer than many Pittsburgh neighborhoods and benefits from heavy student foot traffic. Property crime is more common than violent crime, and the area is generally walkable and well-lit.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Most weekdays year-round; Blue & Gold Days for prospective students on select dates
Duration: ~90 minutes (admissions presentation + Pitt Pathfinders student-led walking tour)
Led by Pitt Pathfinders. Blue & Gold Days allow exploration of multiple schools in one day. Virtual real-time visits also available. Personalized visit options by major.
Book a TourSix-checkpoint self-guided tour starting at the Cathedral of Learning. Route includes Schenley Plaza, Posvar Hall, Hillman Library, Litchfield Towers, Schenley Quad, and William Pitt Union. Nationality Rooms self-guided tour ($6-10 admission) through 31 culturally themed classrooms.
Tour ResourcesOctober for fall foliage against the Cathedral of Learning and football Saturdays. April through May for spring blooms in Schenley Park. Pittsburgh's transformation into a tech and medical hub means there's always energy in Oakland. Avoid January through February (cold, gray Pittsburgh winters).
Metered parking on all four sides of the Cathedral of Learning. Soldiers and Sailors Garage nearby (Fifth Ave & Bigelow Blvd). Free meter parking on Sundays. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is 25 minutes west via I-376. Port Authority Transit buses serve the Oakland campus extensively. The 71 bus route connects downtown to campus.
Location
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