Pittsburgh’s eclectic heritage, energy, and diversity, along with its affordability, are a source of inspiration and opportunity for students in the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business.
Nationally renowned for livability and natural beauty, the Pittsburgh region has a vibrant business community anchored by Fortune 500 companies in banking, manufacturing, consumer goods, and retail, and bolstered by new tech arrivals like Apple, Google, and Uber.
Bishal Dasgupta (MBA ’24) chose Katz Graduate School, among the 5% of business schools with AACSB accreditation, because of the school’s reputation with “renowned faculty, experiential learning opportunities, excellent return on investment, and the welcoming city of Pittsburgh!”
Armani Davis (MBA ’23) says his favorite courses are the “weekend intensives” taught by faculty with industry-specific experience as a business owner or executive-level position, often in the Pittsburgh region.
“The weekend courses allow us to take deep dives into project-based learning environments with Pittsburgh-leading experts and my classmates as thought partners,” he says.
Neighborhoods and Strong Connections
From the moment our students step onto the Pitt campus, they are plugged into all the amenities Pittsburgh has to offer, including ethnically diverse, close-knit neighborhoods. Mervis Hall, the main Katz building is on Roberto and Vera Clemente Drive and adjacent to the remaining outfield wall of historic Forbes Field.
“I chose Katz because of the community sense that the University of Pittsburgh provided,” says Maxwell Liu (MS ’24). “It is well known that Pitt students build a strong sense of belonging – it’s like being in a large and warm family, people look after each other and build strong connections. Another reason is related to the city of Pittsburgh. It is one of the best cities to live in the United States. The public transportation is great, and the city is relatively safe.”
Kelly Lu (MBA ’24) says she enjoys Pittsburgh’s “rich cultural offerings and diverse recreational activities.” She adds “Not only does Pittsburgh boast a thriving pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, providing ample opportunities for professional growth, but it also has charming mom-and-pop shops nestled in character-filled neighborhoods. What’s more, its proximity to major cities allows for convenient weekend getaways, all while being highly affordable—a true gem for students seeking both intellectual stimulation and an enriching urban experience.”
Another advantage of pursuing a graduate degree in Pittsburgh, or staying after graduation, is the region’s affordability. According to salary.com, the cost of living is reduced significantly for residents of many cities. The costs in Pittsburgh are: 6.5% lower than Atlanta; 36.6% lower than Boston; 15.2% lower than Philadelphia; and 33.2% lower than Washington, D.C.
For more information about the region, visit our Life in Pittsburgh page or the University’s Come to Learn, Come to Live page with a video tour of the city. For details of our graduate program options, click here.