<p>I know UVA is more prestigious and ranked higher (and I haven't been admitted yet, but I'm assuming I will be) but Pitt is free tuition. I want to know that I won't be "closing any doors" by going to Pitt. I plan on working hard in undergrad and attending a top-rated graduate program (either law, business, or engineering) upon graduation. But I will definitely be attending some type of grad school, so more tuition bills will be coming. </p>
<p>I plan on majoring in bionengineering, a field that is nationally respected from Pitt and UVA alike. But I am not 100% confident on this choice of major, and UVA has better rankings in most other areas. </p>
<p>So my question is, is Pitt a well-respected enough university to attend if I still wanna be at an Ivy (or Ivy level) grad program some day? Or should I pay the extra money and head to UVA?</p>
<p>Pitt is good enough. But you only do undergrad once and I think UVa would be the better overall experience.(not just academics) If you can swing it.</p>
<p>How much difference in cost?</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>Yes, what will be the difference in cost?</p>
<p>I would choose Pitt. It is just too hard to pass up a full ride. If you plan on doing grad school, you are going to need that money.</p>
<p>Wait until you’re accepted by UVA (not a given) and see their financial aid package.</p>
<p>Also keep in mind that graduate school in the sciences almost always comes with waived tuition + living stipend, even at non-elite universities.</p>
<p>There isn’t that much of a difference in either academics or social life (though the settings are somewhat different), so I’d go with Pitt.</p>
<p>Alright, well I’m out of state so UVA would amount to $43,000 per year, Pitt is just room and board so about $7500 per year (I also got $1000 from the engineering school there). </p>
<p>I’m from western PA and I love Pittsburgh, though I don’t live directly in the city. I think it would be amazing to live there, but at the same time I might want to try something new. </p>
<p>My biggest fear is that a law school or MBA program or whatever will look at my app and say “So what if he had a 3.8-3.9? He went to Pitt. Reject.”</p>
<p>Oh and just for additional information, I won’t be getting any financial aid. Let’s just say I’m confident in that.</p>
<p><em>My biggest fear is that a law school or MBA program or whatever will look at my app and say “So what if he had a 3.8-3.9? He went to Pitt. Reject.”</em> - Not going to happen. </p>
<p>What’s more important to you, financial security, or status? You can still get into a good grad school, no matter where you go, as long as YOU excel. So, frankly, it’s all up to you. If your the type of person who is going to be thinking “what if I went to UVA” all your life, just go there. If not, don’t.</p>
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<p>Fortunately, graduate/professional school committees are made up of well-informed professors, not high school CCers. Besides, you have to submit GMAT/LSAT scores and recommendation letters with your applications. </p>
<p>The difference in academic quality between UVA and Pittsburgh is insignificant. (#25 and #29, respectively, according to the last NRC study.) Did you know that Pitt is actually the #50 university in the world according the ARWU and UVA is at #91? Yes, these rankings do refer to graduate programs and research, but I don’t think the difference at the undergraduate level is that big of a gap, if any. I don’t think the new experience justifies the extra $146,000. (If you go to law or business school, there will be even more debt.)</p>
<p>Don’t spend the extra money. Go to Pitt.</p>
<p>Thank you all. It has been very enlightening. I guess I, as well as several other high school seniors, get caught up on USNWR rankings and brand name schools. I know several people at Pitt already and have been a lifelong Panthers fan. I feel even better now about this decision. I’m looking forward to the next four years and hopefully a succesful graduate education and career after that!</p>
<p>Good for you. Pitt definitely seems like the better choice for you.</p>
<p>My biggest fear is that a law school or MBA program or whatever will look at my app and say “So what if he had a 3.8-3.9? He went to Pitt. Reject.”</p>
<p>That’s not going to happen. If you do well as an undergrad, get a great LSAT (or GMAT) score, you can get into very good law schools. Do you really think that UPitt doesn’t have any grads going to top law schools?</p>
<p>I think the below is good advice…</p>
<p>Law School does not require applicants to have specialized in any particular academic majors or subject areas closely related to law during their undergraduate education. However, potential law students should choose courses that will enhance their abilities in the areas of critical thinking, oral and written expression, and logical and analytical reasoning. Applicants considering law school are encouraged to enroll in a broad range of courses that will help develop these skills.</p>
<p>Besides, Pitt has an excellent reputation.</p>
<p>I turned down some schools considered more prestigious than UVA (Northwestern, Johns Hopkins) for full tuition at Pitt. The thing with law and medical school admissions is that it’s the numbers (gpa and test scores) that are weighed most heavily. The prestige of the school (which many correlate with difficulty) is considered, but minimally. I am not sure about business schools, though. </p>
<p>UVA is a good school but I don’t think it’s worth its OOS sticker price.</p>
<p>Take the money and run…to Pitt. </p>
<p>You will be thanking yourself many, many times later when you’re an older adult and are trying to get a loan for say a car, house, etc., and don’t have the added debt bc of your undergrad choice. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>Alright. Thanks everyone. I also applied to Penn and Duke, and I may have a shot at getting in. But those schools are pushing 60k a year. I can’t imagine any of them (UVA, Penn, or Duke) is $200,000 better than an education at Pitt.</p>
<p>UVa is more like $40,000 a year, which don’t get me wrong is obviously a lot, but not the same as Duke or UPenn. Personally, I would choose UVa (for the superior academics, experience, and prestige) but I guess if money is really important for you it would be wise to go with the full ride.</p>
<p>Good luck in making the decision that’s best for you.</p>