There are still some ethnic communities in Pittsburgh where early marriage is desirable. However, you have to realize that many many many of the people who go to college in Pittsburgh ARE NOT FROM Pittsburgh. Many of them are from small towns where there isn't anything else to do but marry and procreate. When they hear about all their HS friends getting married of course they'll have the same mindset.
It's not as scary $$ wise to get married at a young age if you live in the same place as your entire extended family and have known the entire town since birth. People are going to cut you some slack if you can't pay the rent on time or whatever. You'll probably end up getting a job from someone you know. You might buy a family friend's house at a greatly reduced cost. Not that I am saying you should get married at 21, but it's hella different than being on your own in NYC and having to find a job/place to live.
As far as being "financially stable" I don't think that's as important as coming to an agreement on how your finances will be handled. I gotta agree w/ Coramoor, a lot of girls who say "I want someone financially stable" mean they want someone who will buy them whatever they want.
