a degree from Pitt [traditional university] or a degree [from] AI means the same thing
No they do not mean the same thing. There is a hierarchy in education.
Most Ais will not accept credits from another Ai. Ais were created randomly and each administration was allowed to apply for the accreditation of their choice or ability. All AUs are the same, it’s one school with one accreditation. Ais with SACS or MSCHE we’re held accountable to national standards. ACICS Ais had more flexibility and did as little as necessary to keep their accreditation. Regional accreditation at an Ai was respected by other colleges, ACICS was not.
Admissions and administrators sold Ai as equal to other colleges, people who graduated from Ai want to believe their degree is equal to other colleges, but it is not.