The University’s Pittsburgh and Bradford campuses were named 2026-27 Colleges of Distinction

Two University of Pittsburgh campuses were recognized as among the best colleges and universities in the U.S. by Colleges of Distinction.

The Pittsburgh and Bradford campuses made the list based on a mix of qualitative and quantitative information pulled from college presidents, provosts, deans and administrators. Unlike other rankings, Colleges of Distinction relies on four defined attributes to gauge a school’s status: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes.

About the Pittsburgh campus, the report stated, “It’s fun and easy to engage with peers and faculty with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.” The campus — ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide — also boasts a 96% post-graduation outcomes rate, 10 points above the national average.

Pitt-Bradford was noted for its “close-knit campus community, which means [students] receive personalized attention from their professors as well as administrators and staff on campus.” Starting in the fall, joining that community will be more attainable for many in the commonwealth — eligible Pennsylvanians will pay zero in tuition to attend any of Pitt’s four regional campuses.

Photography by Aimee Obidzinski