2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy in the Pittsburgh Area

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,468 reviews

Sophomore: I'm currently considering a shift to the Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts Degree (BXA). CMU's versatility in offering such a unique blend of art and tech truly speaks to its pioneering spirit in education. It’s not every day you find a university that allows you to bridge two seemingly disparate fields in such a cohesive manner. However, like all institutions, there's always room for improvement. I'd love to see more inter-departmental collaborations. Given the vast array of talent and expertise at CMU, I believe fostering more interdisciplinary projects can lead to even more groundbreaking work. All in all, Carnegie Mellon has given me an environment where I can grow academically while also nurturing my personal interests. If you're looking for a place that challenges you, offers diverse programs, and fosters a sense of community, CMU might just be the place for you!... Read 1,468 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $37,450

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  4,309 reviews

Freshman: University of Pittsburgh is a great school with many diverse tools students can utilize to get the best out of their time here. From a wide range of studies to a vast option of clubs, University of Pittsburgh allows students to instantly feel connected to the school. In addition, the University of Pittsburgh has fantastic resources especially for Pre-Health related careers. With the UPMC building nearby, you can obtain your medical hours right on campus! You can easily contact a faculty member within the Pre-Health department to discuss the best academic path for you. The campus holds a variety of recreational spots including restaurants, museums, and cafes to study at. However, in the future, I hope to see the university improve their communication with their students regarding Panther Central. Panther Central is Pitt's main communication line where students can ask anything from housing to transportation. Unfortunately, the faculty takes a long time responding to students' emails.... Read 4,309 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $22,996

• SAT range 1250-1470

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  754 reviews

Senior: Chatham University is my transfer school, where I have felt a welcoming by staff, coaches, and students. I look forward to completing my undergrad studies, and continuing with my graduate work. The community in Pittsburgh is rich in culture, and diversity. The accessibility of the faculty, athletic department, and various organizations is impressive!... Read 754 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $27,225

• SAT range —

• Beaver Falls, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  730 reviews

Alum: It is a wonderful and small campus, which is exactly what I needed. I had some of the most incredible professors, and learned so much about myself and my own beliefs and goals in life. It is highly reformed Presbyterian, which doesn’t line up with me at all, but they encouraged me to figure out my own views instead of having to conform to theirs. I was a Youth Ministries major and loved the program! It’s a very safe campus, and the only real complaint I have is how horrible the sports are. The rugby team was a blast, but I refused other sports because of poor quality. My freshman year was awesome, and I felt very accepted and included, which is rare for an autistic person.... Read 730 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $19,895

• SAT range 1020-1240

• Greensburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  925 reviews

Senior: Seton Hill is a truly peaceful place to study and be at. It is one of the most beautiful universities I have ever visited. The faculty are all amazing, and truly helpful. The only downside of Seton Hill is the cost per semester, it is crazily expensive. So I recommend saving, FAFSA, and applying for scholarships. I wish applying through FAFSA with the school, and getting certain TAX records were better communicated at times. So far as my academic experience it has been absolutely wonderful. Each of my professors took the time to get to know me personally. They actually care for their students, and take the time to make sure you are understanding the lectures and assignments. My professor helped me explore career options, and helped me find my true calling for my career.... Read 925 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $22,424

• SAT range 900-1150

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,499 reviews

Junior: I am a junior in Duquesne's nursing program and I cannot say enough good things about this school, at least academic wise. Professors know your name and genuinely want to see you succeed. Classwork is challenging but always helps me learn. Clinicals start early and help you feel confident in your skills by the time you enter your immersion. The campus is beautiful and in an excellent location that has allowed me to work a part-time job since my freshman year even without a car on campus. The food leaves a lot to be desired, which I why I mostly cook for myself now, as do the freshman dorms, but if you can get into Brottier or St. Martin's as an upperclassman, you're set. There are plenty of clubs and organizations on campus that have allowed me to meet friend and even serve in leadership roles. Duquesne is a great choice if you want a mid-sized, urban college where you'll get a great education!... Read 1,499 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $34,505

• SAT range 1140-1310

• Washington, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  730 reviews

Alum: W&J is highly underrated. It is a beautiful campus with a mix of well-preserved historic and new modern buildings. Tasty, healthy food is available in the main dining commons and separate grill with plenty of places for students to congregate. The student vibe is upbeat, friendly, and motivated. Dedicated professors make classes challenging but interesting. The school has a tight knit community feel. Also, the location offers the best of both worlds: safe suburban campus just a short car or school-provided shuttle ride to Pittsburgh. The school has competitive sports teams and games/matches are well-attended by supportive students and faculty. If you want small class size, lots of academic and emotional support, and professors who will push you to be the absolute best version of yourself, this is the place for you!... Read 730 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $27,101

• SAT range 1050-1300

• California, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  1,494 reviews

Sophomore: PennWest California has given me quite the experience so far! Not only do I feel so welcomed in the community because I know some friends from high school, but also all of the staff and educators are so very welcoming and understanding. I love the organization of classes and also how my professors are extremely systematic with their lectures, and they make sure we get the most out of the lesson. Fixating on change, I feel that for the most part, everything should stay as it is. The only slightly concerning factor is the amount of classes that are online. Some of us find online classes difficult, depending on the class, and this can be stressful.... Read 1,494 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $20,317

• SAT range 940-1150

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  330 reviews

Senior: La Roche is a nice school, especially to keep up with your faith. Very diverse university with students around the world such as the Caribbean, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia (just to name a few). There are a community of coaches, Academic Support Services, and professors who all are willing to help you if you put forth the effort. From writing papers to finding internships, the La Roche Community gave me the support I needed to achieve academically and socially, as it provides that sense of family away from family.... Read 330 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $23,334

• SAT range 930-1160

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  934 reviews

Sophomore: I’ve been going to CCAC for 3 semesters now to pursue an associates degree in psychology and Education and it’s been great so far! I really feel like the professors at CCAC are here to teach you something and they will help you to get through all of your struggles. The professors I had always have been understanding of any problems that came up and they were very approachable. I’m glad to have chosen this college as an affordable start before transferring to a 4 year institution. CCAC also offers a variety of clubs and activities that’s are fun to explore. I’m part of the World Cultures Club and we’re going to hold a global food and dance festival this coming April, which will feature dancers from Thailand, eastern countries, and Africa while enjoying over 60 food options from across the world.... Read 934 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,297

• SAT range —

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  1,010 reviews

Freshman: I am in the Theatre Production program and it is very small which allows for more individualized attention when struggling. My classes haven't been more than 20 students large. My professors are usually student centric, which is wonderful. My largest complaint is the dining. The dining hall is often mislabeled, causing my allergic or dietary restricted peers to have allergic reactions/eat meat while vegan. The food is also terrible and not worth the cost of the meal plan. I cook for myself in my dorm room via communal microwave and electric kettle. The dining hall also leaves a heavy grease smell on all clothes after entering. Otherwise, I really enjoy my time at Point Park this far!... Read 1,010 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $25,004

• SAT range 950-1180

• Youngwood, PA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  374 reviews

Sophomore: WCCC is in my opinion a great option. My experience there was an overall solid experience. The majority of the professors I had in my first year were amazing. It is an entirely different feel than high school because they actually care about you. The classrooms are normally only 15-30 people which helps you connect with other students and the teacher more. Furthermore, it is really cheap compared to other places. My yearly tuition cost was no more than 6000. The only bad experience I have from this place is being overwhelmed from working at the same time. So if you do plan on working while taking classes, take a little less classes, trust me it is worth having one extra semester. In conclusion, WCCC is an amazing place to start out with college. It is nice to ease into college while still being with my parents to help me out when needed. It is also great for figuring out what you want to do because of the cheap classes. Overall I highly recommend this place.... Read 374 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,798

• SAT range —

• Greensburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  383 reviews

Senior: Pitt-Greensburg is an amazing small type community campus! There are many benefits to being a student here. There are many types of dorm options available whether you want a traditional dorm style room or more of a private living space with integrative rooms. All of the dorms have free washing services included in living expenses! A student only needs to provide detergent and dryer sheets if they wish. We are also connected to Pitt Oakland in many ways! There are many free transportation opportunities to see football games and even the chance to participate in Pitt's Marching Band no matter what Pitt campus a student attends. There are over 350 travel abroad opportunities as we have the same opportunities Pitt Oakland offers. Thankfully, we have access to just about everything the main campus has. As far as academics go, there are alway new opportunities presented for students, including the development of the new Life Science building! Professors also will know your name here! :)... Read 383 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $17,644

• SAT range 1030-1210

• Latrobe, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  541 reviews

Sophomore: The campus is very beautiful and has a lot of amazing opportunities for exploration and discovery. There is a wide range of clubs, activities and even organizations that are present on campus, even though some may be hard to find at first. There is a group for everyone. The teachers are pretty good, though different departments are better with student involvement or even overall amazing teachers!... Read 541 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $23,361

• SAT range 950-1200

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  499 reviews

Senior: Carlow University is by far the best university experience I have had. As an adult transfer student, they are so welcoming and really want you to do well in everything including your studies and your life. The professors are fantastic and truly care for you. I'm very happy to be a part of this university!... Read 499 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $18,638

• SAT range 960-1140

• Monaca, PA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  206 reviews

Sophomore: CCBC is great. The counseling department and all staff really want you to succeed! They all seem to truly care about each student as an individual. When I was having a lot of trouble personally, financially and academically the counseling staff and professors did everything they could to help me work through it and come out on top! They have tons of resources for students from financial aid to tutoring and everything in between.... Read 206 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,900

• SAT range —