Pitt- pros and cons for OOS

[Anonymous]

DD is OOS and didn't get merit (recently accepted so maybe some will come but I doubt it), making COA about $63k. Her goal is to be a physician assistant and she got into the School of Public Health though would plan to transfer to the School of Health and Rehab Sciences for a Rehab Science degree.

Pitt is pretty new to us. She loved the city campus. The dorm was definitely a turnoff but can accept it's a rite of passage!

What are the pros and cons of Pitt that we should know about? How's housing after freshman year? Does the school feel too big?

[Anonymous]

What was the turnoff of the dorm?

[Anonymous]

What is the alternative?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is the alternative?

At this point, Fordham (COA less than Pitt), Northeastern ($89k!!!!), and possibly Case Western (child is not interested at all, but it remains a distant option).

DH and I suspect she'll change her mind re: major. Funding-wise, we have the money but just because we can, doesn't mean we should...

[Anonymous]

Parent of two Pitt grads - nothing but good things to say about Pitt, especially for someone interested in a health care career. And big enough that there are tons of options available if they change their mind.

Cost is a bit high compared to OOS at some other schools, but much cheaper than private. Education is excellent, spirit among the kids is high, Pittsburgh is a fun and safe city, not too far away, but far enough so your kid will get exposed to a different part of the country.

Big alumni network all over the country, wherever your child ends up.

Freshman dorms are small and crowded....but it is a rite of passage - all part of going to college. And good on- or off-campus options as kids become upperclassmen.

[Anonymous]

My kids is a freshman at Pitt and is loving it.

Not sure what the dorm issue is. I think tours are usually taken to Nordenberg which is way nicer than an average college dorm. They did admit more students than expected last year and had to take over a nearby hotels, but students living there seem to like it, and their rooms are huge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids is a freshman at Pitt and is loving it.

Not sure what the dorm issue is. I think tours are usually taken to Nordenberg which is way nicer than an average college dorm. They did admit more students than expected last year and had to take over a nearby hotels, but students living there seem to like it, and their rooms are huge.

OP here. The tour took us to the towers and the room they showed wasn't representative at all of what the rooms apparently are like in real-life. I guess it was a different size and shape than the normal towers? Even the tour guide said she didn't know why they chose that particular room to show. I have to say, that was the worst room we've seen yet on all our tours. But like I said, not a dealbreaker.

[Anonymous]

Your other options aren't lower in cost enough to matter. Go with which she prefers.

[Anonymous]

I am the pp with a freshman at Pitt. Re your questions, the school does not feel too large for my kid. The campus is compact and all classes are within easy walking distance. The kid was able to make friends easily and find clubs and activities for niche interests. Pitt guarantees housing for 3 years and many kids choose to stay on campus, although there are only a few apartment-style dorms (with kitchens) for upperclassman and those are in high demand and are assigned through a lottery.

[Anonymous]

I grew up blocks from Pitt. If her goal is a job in health care, I'd do Pitt in a heartbeat.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it seems like all her options are expensive. For the field she wants to go into, I would also pick Pitt. We live in PA and it is a very hot choice that all kinds of kids seem very happy with.

[Anonymous]

DS goes to Pitt and loves it. He is a freshman. He lives in the Towers. His room isn't great, but the location is awesome. Most alumni say you should live in the Towers as a freshman. He has a house lined up already off campus.

Pitt is fairly compact in spite of its size. Pretty easy to navigate. Rec center is brand new.

[Anonymous]

Is the fraternity scene big at Pitt?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is the fraternity scene big at Pitt?

It is there if your kid wants it, but I would not say it is particularly big.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the alternative?

At this point, Fordham (COA less than Pitt), Northeastern ($89k!!!!), and possibly Case Western (child is not interested at all, but it remains a distant option).

DH and I suspect she'll change her mind re: major. Funding-wise, we have the money but just because we can, doesn't mean we should...

Hi! I went to Pitt in parent times. Does your kid have an in-state option? Maryland? VA Tech? Delaware? I am a big Pitt advocate but not in favor of spending say $25K more over those schools.

I know zero about Fordham but my dad worked for CWRU.

Of the options you present above, I think that Pitt is a strong option. You are wise to give careful consideration.

Where does your kid want to live and work after college? That should factor in. Northeastern's strengths are Boston and co-ops from my outsider's view. The price is ridiculous. No need to pay that over Pitt. Unless maybe a Boston career is the dream.

CWRU's downside is Cleveland. My parents live near there now (because my dad worked there). While there are fun things to do in Cleveland, I just think Pittsburgh and Oakland are superior. It would be ridiculous to go point by point on this - but if necessary just check it out for yourself. Pittsburgh's more revitalized is easy shorthand. I also feel that CWRU is mainly STEM. I have known people connected to the business programs. But it's a STEM school at the heart. Pitt, on the other hand, places a lot of value on humanities. And has a wide variety of recognized strengths.

Regarding Pitt dorms, I lived in a study lounge for 2 months my first year and I don't even remember my roommates' names. But it was not a problem experience. After 2 months, I got a single in Lothrop which I had for the rest of my time at Pitt. I liked that a lot. I had friends who had triples in the older buildings near the William Pitt Union. And doubles in the Towers. And I know where the overflow Hampton Inn is. I have been college shopping with 2 kids recently and I don't find these rooming arrangements sub-par. They vary in appeal and might be average. But that doesn't seem like a deal-breaker to me. There are a variety of other dorms I didn't experience. Is there a specific issue about the dorms? Pitt let us paint our rooms so my mom and I painted my first Lothrop single yellow. And I had a wall-to-wall carpet and a big closet and a sink. All good as far as what I needed.

I felt Pitt students were pretty humble and interested in their studies. And professors enjoyed their jobs and liked working with students. The local scenery/area around the Cathedral is pretty cool. And there are urban cultural amenities. Plus all the medical facilities for those who want to work/do practicums. (CWRU is similarly advantaged here).

If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to take a shot at answering.