Point Park University, a private institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was formerly known as Point Park College. Its name was changed in 2004 to reflect the expansion of its graduate programs. By 2021, the university had an undergraduate enrollment of 2,575 students. The university traces its roots back to 1933, starting as a one-room institution named Business Training College. It was founded by Dorothy Finkelhor, a New York native, along with her husband, L. Herbert Finkelhor.
At its inception, the college enrolled 50 students and focused on providing business and secretarial training. Dorothy Finkelhor’s leadership was particularly remarkable, as it was rare at the time for a woman to establish and lead such an institution. In addition to her role as founder, Dorothy Finkelhor took on multiple responsibilities, serving as teacher, dean of women, social chairman, janitor, telephone operator, admissions and finance director, and registrar. Her dedication ensured that students received both practical skills and a strong foundation for professional success.
What is the Point Park University US News National Rankings 2025?
Point Park University ranks 329 according to the US News National Rankings 2025.
Campus
Point Park University is located in Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle, about half a mile from its namesake, Point State Park. Nestled within the bustling business district, the campus is surrounded by notable landmarks like PPG Place—one of the city's most iconic buildings—and PNC Financial Services' LEED Platinum Certified headquarters. The campus is unique in its vertical layout, with school buildings interspersed among non-university structures. While Point Park previously owned the Pittsburgh Playhouse in the Oakland neighborhood, it replaced this facility with a state-of-the-art complex in downtown Pittsburgh. Demolition of the Oakland Playhouse was scheduled to begin in June 2019. Emphasizing its urban setting, the university often uses the phrase "Pittsburgh is our campus" in its promotional materials.
Thanks to its downtown location, Point Park University offers students easy access to Pittsburgh’s Cultural District and major sports venues like PNC Park, PPG Paints Arena, and Heinz Field. The campus is also within reach of popular nightlife spots in the South Side, Station Square, and the Strip District. Nearly 1,000 full-time undergraduate students reside on campus, though the majority of students commute.
Point Park University Global Ranking
The University is still awaiting its official rankings from prominent organisations such as QS, Times Higher Education, and US News and World Report. Despite its growing reputation and contributions to academia, the university has not yet been featured in the rankings published by these influential bodies. But it has been ranked at #329 in National Universities by U.S. News in 2025.
Although the University continues to develop its academic programs and research initiatives, it remains unranked by these major international ranking institutions. The absence of a ranking from QS, Times Higher Education, and US News does not reflect the quality of education or research output but simply indicates that the university has not been formally assessed by these specific agencies.
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Frequently asked questions on Point Park University Ranking 2025
1: What type of financial aid is available for international students?
A: Students studying in our undergraduate programs can be awarded a combination of academic merit scholarships of up to $20,000 per academic year. Students studying in our graduate programs are eligible for scholarships up to $1,500 per academic year.
2: Can one work once he/she gets to Point Park University?
A: Full-time student visa holders (F-1 students) are not permitted to work off-campus except for optional or curricular practical training purposes. However, they can work on campus under certain circumstances. More information on this topic can be found at the Office of International Student Services.