Pitt's Impact

We all have a stake in the success of the University of Pittsburgh. As an economic driver and innovation engine, Pitt contributes significantly to the state’s economy while delivering a world-class education to Pennsylvania students. Our most recent economic impact reports describe Pitt's role in driving the economy and as a talent cultivator, community connector and career builder.

University Impact Report

Pittsburgh highway

Highlights

  • Pitt's economic impact totals $5.2 billion annually.
  • Pitt generates $28.40 in Pennsylvania for every $1 invested in the University and our students.
  • Pitt returns $184 million in tax revenue to state and local governments.
  • The University, its faculty, staff, students and visitors spend a combined $1.7 billion on businesses in Pennsylvania.
man working on air tanks

Highlights

  • As one of the largest research universities in the nation with a talented pool of faculty, staff and students, Pitt attracts many corporate and industry partners to Southwestern Pennsylvania.
  • In 2020, 375 companies collaborated with Pitt faculty on more than 600 research projects of all types, including clinical trials, basic science, and highly focused translational activities.
  • Neighborhood 91, developed by Pitt and the Pittsburgh International Airport, is the first development of the Pittsburgh Airport Innovation Campus and will be built adjacent to the airport terminal and runway, giving additive manufacturing a place to call home. 
students looking at laptop studying

Highlights

  • Students and alumni have earned Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, Beinecke, Truman and Fulbright scholarships, among other honors.
  • Pitt students can begin conducting hands-on research with expert faculty members as early as their first year in their undergraduate program.
  • Pitt's Career Center guarantees an experiential learning opportunity to anyone who participates in its Internship Prep Program. 
  • 94% of Pitt alumni are employed full time or enrolled in graduate school.
  • Pitt provides discounted tuition to PA students and families worth $288 million, but state funds cover less than 60 percent of the discount. Pitt covers the rest.
woman in lab

Highlights

  • Pitt imported $895 million in external research funding to Pennsylvania last fiscal year.
  • The total impact of Pitt's research activity is nearly $1.9 billion.
  • Pitt is among the top 10 recipients of NIH research support.
  • Pitt’s Innovation Institute has helped to launch nearly 200 startups.
  • The University's Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence has served 1,350 clients.
  • Pitt’s research activity supports more than 9,200 jobs.
  • Pitt students and alumni have earned Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, Beinecke, Truman and Fulbright scholarships, among other honors.
innovations in wheelchairs

Highlights

  • 194,144,000 Pitt alumni are based in Pennsylvania.
  • Pitt alumni will generate $563 billion in Pennsylvania over their careers.
  • Pitt is one of the largest employers in Pennsylvania, accounting for 1 out of every 161 jobs in the commonwealth
  • 37,822 jobs in Pennsylvania are supported by Pitt.
  • More than 18,000 people are directly employed at Pitt's five campuses.
man in audience clapping

Highlights

  • The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law and Public Policy provides a unique opportunity to foster public education and civic action among faculty, staff, students and community members on important public policy issues.
  • Governing in Crisis: Preserving Democracy, the Rule of Law and American Values, will help policymakers and citizens, whatever their positions, better understand important governance issues.
  • The Elsie Hillman Civic Forum offers eight student programs to bring passion for civic engagement to Pitt students.
american flag

Highlights

  • The University of Pittsburgh has been designated a Military Friendly School for eight years in a row.
  • In addition to serving student veterans, our Office of Veterans Services helps military spouses and dependents receive VA education benefits.
  • The University’s Center for Military Medicine Research brings together Pitt experts across disciplines to tackle some of the most pressing medical challenges and needs facing members of our military.
dentist working on patient

Highlights

  • Pitt Dental was the first dental school in the United States to go opioid free.
  • Pitt has trained more than 1,000 health care professionals to confront opioid abuse.
  • The National Institutes of Health awarded Pitt and UPMC $32 million to improve prevention and treatment strategies for opioid misuse and addiction and to enhance pain management.
  • Pitt’s School of Pharmacy Program Evaluation and Research Unit is dedicated to building and strengthening the well-being and resilience of communities through data-driven, quality improvement efforts of both public health and public safety initiatives through its Community Health Initiatives. Current initiatives including reducing opioid overdoses and improving outcomes for patients with Opioid Use Disorder across the commonwealth.

mother and daughter dropping off at school

The University of Pittsburgh admits students with academic and personal promise without consideration of ability to pay. Working together with families, we find ways to help make a Pitt education a reality. Through innovative programs, Pitt is increasing access to higher education while working proactively to provide affordable options to all students. Pitt provides discounted tuition to PA students and families worth $288 million, but state funds cover less than 60 percent of the discount. Pitt covers the rest. The top programs are highlighted below. Read the full details here or visit affordability.pitt.edu.