GRANTS

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What is a Financial Aid Grant?

Grants are money provided by the University, federal, or state government entities that do not require any repayment. To apply for grants, you must complete the FAFSA. 

PA residents: After completing the FAFSA, you will be able to apply for any relevant university grants within your PA state grant eligibility

Are Grants Financial Aid?

Yes, and they are one of the most important types of financial aid we offer. Originating from various sources, including federal programs like the Pell Grant, as well as institutional or state initiatives, grants primarily target students demonstrating significant financial need. In comparison to loans, which must be repaid, and work-study programs, which necessitate employment, grants provide direct assistance, alleviating financial burdens for students.

Here are a few types of popular grants:

  1. Federal Pell Grants
    Pell Grants are need-based grants for degree-seeking undergraduate students. Pell Grant eligibility is determined by the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI), the cost of attendance, and the student’s enrollment status.

    2. Pell Plus Program

    The Pell Plus Program will match any Federal Pell Grant awarded up to the federal maximum Pell Grant amount of $7,395 for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
    FSEOG University grants are for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The grant is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  3. Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
    The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. Please contact your OVR Counselor to inquire about your eligibility.

    4. PHEAA

    PHEAA is a national provider of student financial aid services, serving millions of students and thousands of schools through a variety of student aid programs.

  4. PA State Grant
    One of the most popular grants in PA, the PA State Grant is a state-funded program that allows eligible Pennsylvania residents to obtain financial assistance for undergraduate study at any PHEAA-approved institution of higher education. Awards are based on financial need. Students must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree seeking undergraduate program and complete their FAFSA by May 1. Please click the heading for additional information. For additional information, including learning more about PA state grant eligibility criteria, please click the grant name above. PA Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program (PEGP) The PEGP program provides support for families of service officers who lost their lives protecting citizens of the state of Pennsylvania including police officers, firefighters, correction facilities employees, and active members of the National Guard. For additional information, including eligibility criteria, please click the grant name above.

  5. PA Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program (PEGP)
    The PEGP program provides support for families of service officers who lost their lives protecting citizens of the state of Pennsylvania including police officers, firefighters, correction facilities employees, and active members of the National Guard. For additional information, including eligibility criteria, please click the grant name above.

  6. Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant (BDBG) Program
    Administered by PHEAA, this university grant program provides grants up to $500 for an academic year to blind or deaf students, who are residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and are attending a postsecondary institution. For additional information, including eligibility criteria, please click the grant name above.

  7. PA Chafee Education and Training Grant (Chafee ETG) Program
    This federally funded university grant program offers grants to Pennsylvania undergraduate students aging out of foster care who are attending an eligible postsecondary institution. For additional information, including eligibility criteria, please click the grant name above.

  8. PA Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver (FosterEd) Program
    The FosterEd Program provides a waiver for tuition and mandatory fees charged by most postsecondary institutions located in the Commonwealth for youth who are or were in foster care. You must be eligible for the PA Chafee Education and Training Grant to be eligible for this tuition waiver. Point of Contact for the FosterEd Program: Stephanie Hoogendorn , hoogen@pitt.edu, 412-383-5624. For additional information, including eligibility criteria, please click the grant name above.

  9. PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
    Administered by PHEAA in conjunction with the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, this tuition assistance program is for students who enter into a service commitment with the PA National Guard for a period of 6 years. For additional information, including eligibility criteria, please click the grant name above.

  10. PA National Guard Military Family Education Program (MFEP)
    Administered by PHEAA in conjunction with the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, this tuition assistance program is for dependents (spouses and children) of PA National Guard Members who enter into an additional 6-year service commitment with the PA National Guard. For additional information, including eligibility criteria, please click the grant name above.

  11. PA Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS) Program
    The RTSS Program, in combination with the PA State Grant Program, provides scholarships to high academic achievers. Students must meet all other PA State Grant eligibility requirements (except financial need) to qualify for RTSS. This award is for 2nd-year students and higher (must have completed 24 credits in a degree-seeking program to be reviewed by the state for eligibility). For additional information, including eligibility criteria, please click the grant name above.

  12. PA Partnerships for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Program
    Through the PATH Program, qualifying students who have already been awarded a scholarship or grant by one of our PHEAA PATH Partners may be eligible for additional grant money. For additional information, including eligibility criteria, please click the grant name above.

Grants, while a primary source of financial assistance for many students form just one facet of a multifaceted financial aid system. They often lay the groundwork for students beginning their journey into higher education, offering monetary assistance that doesn’t require repayment. However, alongside grants, students at the University of Pittsburgh have access to other crucial avenues of support. Scholarships reward students based on merit, talent, or specific criteria, providing additional funds without the burden of payback. For those who need to bridge the gap between their financial aid package and tuition costs, loans offer a way to borrow money, though it’s essential to understand repayment terms and interest rates. Additionally, the Work-Study program stands as an innovative approach, allowing students to gain practical work experience while earning money to support their education. Together, these four pillars—grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study—create a comprehensive support system, ensuring all students can navigate their educational journey with financial confidence. View the links below to learn more about each of these other financial aid types, including eligibility and application information. 

Other Types of Aid