The University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering was founded in 1846. It began as a small department within the university, but soon grew to become an independent school. In 1909, the school was renamed after its first dean, John A. Swanson, who served until his retirement in 1921. Since then, the Swanson School of Engineering has continued to expand and develop its educational and research programs. Today, the school is home to more than 5,000 students and offers over 20 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate degree programs. The school is renowned for its research initiatives in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering materials science and energy systems engineering. The faculty are well-respected and many have been recognized with awards from organizations such as the National Science Foundation. Additionally, industry partnerships help drive innovation within the school by providing access to cutting-edge technology for students and faculty alike. With top-notch facilities and dedicated faculty members committed to student success, the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering continues to be a leader in engineering education today.
As one of the best engineering schools in the state of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering has reported the following admissions statistics, including the acceptance rate, average GPA/GRE scores, and minimum TOEFL scores for iBT and paper test. Also covered is overall rankings and tuition scholarship information for University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering.
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University of Pittsburgh (Swanson)
1140 Benedum Hall Pittsburgh, PA 15261
The University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering is one of the top engineering schools in the nation. The school has an acceptance rate of 41%, which means that it is competitive to get accepted into the program. There were 5,636 applicants for the 2020-2021 academic year, and 2,314 were admitted. Of those admitted, 1,832 students enrolled in the program. The average SAT scores for accepted students range from 1280-1450 and the average ACT scores range from 27-31. In addition to these scores, students must also have a minimum GPA of 3.3 and demonstrate strong leadership skills and extracurricular activities. The school also looks at letters of recommendation and essays as part of their admissions process. Once admitted, students can pursue degree programs in a variety of areas including biomedical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, materials science engineering, mechanical engineering and systems science & engineering.
Fall 2022 Admissions Statistics
Total applicants (master’s and Ph.D.)
1,729
Total acceptances (master’s and Ph.D.)
622
Overall acceptance rate
36.0%
Fall 2022 Admissions Information
Application deadline for U.S. residents
rolling
Application fee for U.S. residents
$50
Application deadline for international students
N/A
Application fee for international students
$50
Director of admissions
Rama Bazaz
2022 Entering Class GPA and GRE Scores
GRE required?
The GRE is required by some, but not all departments.
Average GPA of new entrants in master’s program
N/A
Number reporting GPA for master’s programs
N/A
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
N/A
Number reporting verbal GRE score for master’s programs
N/A
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
N/A
Number reporting quantitative GRE score for master’s programs
N/A
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in master’s program
N/A
Number reporting writing GRE score for master’s programs
N/A
Average GPA of new entrants in doctoral program
N/A
Number reporting GPA for doctoral programs
N/A
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
N/A
Number reporting verbal GRE score for doctoral programs
N/A
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
N/A
Number reporting quantitative GRE score for doctoral programs
N/A
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in doctoral program
N/A
Number reporting writing GRE score for doctoral programs
N/A
Average GPA of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
3.30
Number reporting GPA for both master’s and doctoral programs
N/A
Average verbal GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
490
Number reporting verbal GRE score for both master’s and doctoral programs
N/A
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
760
Number reporting quantitative GRE scores for master’s and doctoral programs
N/A
Average writing GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
N/A
Number reporting writing GRE score for both master’s and doctoral programs
N/A
TOEFL
TOEFL required for international students?
Yes
Minimum TOEFL score required for computer test
213
Minimum TOEFL score required for paper test
550
Ranking: University of Pittsburgh (Swanson)
The University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering is consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, the Swanson School of Engineering ranks 20th among all public engineering schools in the nation, and 25th among all engineering schools—public or private. In 2020, the school was ranked #1 in Pennsylvania for online graduate engineering programs and #4 nationally for online graduate engineering programs. The school also ranks highly for several disciplines: civil engineering (#17), mechanical engineering (#24), industrial/manufacturing/systems engineering (#25), computer science (#30), and electrical/electronic/communications engineering (#36). Additionally, Pitt’s biomedical/bioengineering program is one of the best in the country, ranking 12th nationally according to U.S. News & World Report.
In addition to these rankings, Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering is also highly regarded by employers around the world as a source of talented engineers with a well-rounded education that prepares them for professional success. The school operates several career services offices that help students find internships, co-ops, and job opportunities with top employers across multiple industries including energy, aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. Furthermore, students benefit from a wide range of research opportunities offered through various labs affiliated with departments throughout the school as well as through industry partnerships with major companies like Siemens and NASA.
Top Engineering Schools
Score
43
Peer assessment score (5.0 highest)
2.9
Recruiter assessment score (5.0 highest)
3.2
Average quantitative GRE score of new entrants in both master’s and doctoral programs
760
Overall acceptance rate
36.0%
2020 Ph.D. student/faculty ratio
2.8
Faculty membership in National Academy of Engineering
0.8%
2020 Engineering school research expenditures (in millions)
$68.8
Research expenditures per faculty member (in thousands)
$542.1
2020 Ph.D.’s granted
45
Total graduate engineering enrollment
747
Tuition & Financial Aid: University of Pittsburgh (Swanson)
Financial Aid Contact Information
Financial aid director
Betsy A. Porter
Financial aid phone
(412) 624-7488
2022-2023 Expenses
Tuition
In-state, full-time: $18,104 per year, part-time: $861 per credit; Out-of-state, full-time: $32,144 per year, part-time: $1,523 per credit
