Pitt Again Named Best Public University in Northeast, Best Public Value in State

The University of Pittsburgh has been recognized again as the best public university in the Northeast and the best public value in Pennsylvania, according to recent rankings by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, respectively.

This is the second consecutive year that The Wall Street Journal selected the University of Pittsburgh as the best public institution in the region.

The rankings are based on student outcomes, institutional resources, engagement and environment. Pitt’s campus in Pittsburgh had its highest national ranking in student outcomes (No. 56).

Pitt students show a 6-year graduation rate of 82.7 percent. The University’s alumni can expect to earn an average annual salary of $48,000 within 10 years after their freshman year.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance named Pitt to the magazine’s list of 100 best-value public colleges nationwide. The list, which was released Dec. 22, marked the 13th consecutive year that Pitt ranked as the top value among all public colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

The 2018 Kiplinger’s ranking cites four-year schools that combine an outstanding education with affordable cost.

“Paying for college is one of the most significant and life-changing investments that a family can make,” said Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “At the University of Pittsburgh, we are committed to providing a world-class education at an exceptional value — and it’s an investment that yields immense and lifelong returns for our graduates.”

Kiplinger’s assesses value according to measurable standards, including admission rate, percentage of students who return for sophomore year, student-faculty ratio and four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include sticker price, financial aid and average debt at graduation.

This recognition was one of several that the University received during the 2017 calendar year. Other notable accolades include:

• Campus Pride Index. Campus Pride, a nonprofit organization that identifies LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities, awarded the University a Campus Pride Index score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
• Center for World University Rankings. Pitt rose from 15th to 12th among U.S. public universities and from 47th to 43rd internationally in the center’s World University Rankings. The University’s strength in citations, broad impact and publications was highlighted in the score. Other score indicators include quality of education, alumni employment, quality of faculty, influence and patents.
• INSIGHT Into Diversity’s 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. This honor recognizes higher education institutions that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Programs” and “Best Graduate Schools.” The School of Nursing, School of Education and School of Medicine were among the Pitt schools highlighted in these rankings.