Earning a college degree can help students expand their skills, qualify for more career paths, and compete for stable jobs. Pennsylvania’s network of public and private colleges includes many institutions in and around Pittsburgh. However, studying in the state can be expensive, so comparing tuition, scholarships, and total cost of attendance is important.
Many students, especially in the United States, are weighing whether taking on student loans is worth it. Since higher education can still be an important investment, it is best to consider what one can afford before choosing a college.
That is why this list highlights relatively affordable colleges and universities in Pittsburgh and nearby areas to help you find institutions that may fit your budget.
Affordable Schools in Pittsburgh for International Students
1. Carlow University
Carlow University is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1929, Carlow offers 40 undergraduate programs and more than 50 graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs.
This affordable university has strong academic programs across several fields. It also offers on-campus and online programs, as well as scholarships and financial aid options that may help reduce the cost of attendance for eligible students.
2. La Roche University
La Roche University is a private Catholic institution located in McCandless Township, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963. Admissions decisions are based on each student’s academic record and application materials.
This higher education institution offers programs in areas such as accounting, aviation management, biology, chemistry, communication, criminal justice, design, education, health sciences, information technology, and other specialized fields. The university also provides student facilities such as libraries, residence halls, and lifelong learning opportunities.
3. Point Park University
Point Park University is a private institution in Downtown Pittsburgh. It began as a small business training college in 1933 and became Point Park Junior College in 1960. Today, the university is organized into six schools, including the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Communication, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, School of Education, Rowland School of Business, and the schools within the Conservatory of Performing Arts.
The university focuses on student success through practical and experiential learning. It offers online, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs, including popular fields such as accounting, information technology, business management, education, communication, and the performing arts.
4. Chatham University
Chatham University is an American institution founded by Reverend William Trimble Beatty on December 11, 1869. It was originally chartered as Pennsylvania Female College and was later renamed Chatham University. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report National Universities ranking, Chatham is ranked No. 213.
Since its creation, this university in Pittsburgh has grown in academics, student life, and co-curricular opportunities. It offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as sustainability and health, business and communication, and arts and sciences. The school also provides campus services and student support resources to help students succeed.
5. Duquesne University
Duquesne University is a private Catholic university founded in 1878. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its schools in fields such as natural and environmental sciences, engineering, business, nursing, health sciences, pharmacy, law, education, music, and the liberal arts.
This university in Pittsburgh gives students access to many extracurricular activities, campus housing options, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities that may help reduce the overall cost of attendance.
6. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university founded in 1900 after Andrew Carnegie donated funds to establish Carnegie Technical Schools. It later developed into the university known today. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Carnegie Mellon is ranked No. 20 among National Universities and earned No. 1 rankings in seven undergraduate specialty areas.
Currently, Carnegie Mellon has seven colleges and schools. It offers degree programs in fields such as engineering, fine arts, humanities and social sciences, science, business, information systems, public policy, and computer science. Carnegie Mellon is especially well known for science, technology, engineering, computer science, and innovation.
Each year, many students seek admission to this prestigious school. Although tuition is higher than at several other universities on this list, Carnegie Mellon offers financial aid resources that can help eligible students manage the cost of attendance.
FAQs: Studying at a University in Pittsburgh
What is the Best Ranked University in Pittsburgh?
Carnegie Mellon University is the highest-ranked university in Pittsburgh in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report National Universities ranking. It is ranked No. 20 nationally, No. 4 for Most Innovative Schools, and No. 25 for Best Value Schools. CMU also earned seven No. 1 undergraduate specialty rankings, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, information systems, mobile/web applications, programming languages, software engineering, analytics, and programming languages.
Is Pennsylvania a Good State for International Students?
Pennsylvania is a strong option for international students. Open Doors 2025 reported that the United States hosted 1,177,766 international students in the 2024/25 academic year, and Pennsylvania was reported as the sixth most popular state destination for international students. The state has many public and private institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University.
The above list includes several colleges and universities that provide comparatively lower or commonly searched tuition options in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Actual costs vary by program, housing, meal plan, fees, and financial aid, so students should always check each university’s official tuition page before applying. These institutions offer reputable degrees, and with enough research, students may find affordable degree programs, scholarships, grants, and fully funded scholarships that can help reduce the need for student loans.
We hope this article on the cheapest universities in Pittsburgh was helpful. To learn more about studying in the United States, check out our Study in the USA page and the Available Programs for International Students.
