Scholarships
Academic Scholarships
Scholarships are awards provided by the University or outside organizations that do not need to be repaid. They are typically based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and scholarly contributions to the University community. With the exception of a few prestigious awards, incoming first-year students who apply to Pitt by December 15 are automatically considered for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships.
Eligibility
Incoming first-year students are considered for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships. Transfer and continuing students are encouraged to seek potential scholarship funding through the University’s scholarship database, PittFund$Me.
University Scholarships are the most common type of awards and based on academic performance in high school. Criteria includes weighted grade point average, strength of curriculum, class rank (if applicable), results of the SAT or ACT (if applicable), and quality of the responses to the short answer essay questions. Test optional students admitted for Fall 2021 will be considered for University Scholarships. The SAT/ACT scores in the various profiles listed below are from recipients who submitted SAT/ACT scores in prior years and are not requirements or guarantees but guidelines only.
University Scholarship Recipient Profile
In recent years, scholarship eligible students possessed all of the following:
- Minimum SAT score of 1480 or ACT composite score of 33
- Overall ‘A’ average
- Challenging high school curriculums consisting of AP/IB/Honors courses
- Top 5% class rank (if applicable)
NOTE: The above criteria are provided for the purposes of guidelines only and not meant as scholarship requirements or guarantees.
Number, Value, and Term of University Scholarships
Less than 25% of admitted first-year students are awarded University Scholarships ranging from $2,000 per year to $25,000 per year. University Scholarships are available for four years/eight semesters of undergraduate study provided the recipient maintains a 3.00 cumulative grade point average and meets all other terms and conditions of the award. Learn more about requirements governing University Scholarships.
Notification of Award
Due to the competitiveness of University Scholarships, most admitted students and their credentials are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee several times before a final decision is made. As a result, those students selected to receive an award will be notified anytime between late-November and March 1 regardless of date admitted.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Diversity Scholarships
In line with the University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, several merit-based diversity scholarships are offered. Academic criteria for diversity scholarship consideration include weighted grade point average, consistency of grades, strength of high school curriculum, SAT/ACT scores (if applicable), class rank (if applicable), and quality of the responses to the short answer essay questions. Test optional students admitted for Fall 2021 will be considered for diversity scholarships. The SAT/ACT scores in the various profiles listed below are from recipients who submitted SAT/ACT scores in prior years and are not requirements or guarantees but guidelines only.
Scholarship Details
- The Cathedral of Learning Achievement Scholarship – annual award amounts include $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000.
- The Cathedral of Learning Prestige Scholarship – covers full tuition.
Diversity Scholarship Recipient Profile
In recent years, Cathedral of Learning Achievement Scholarship eligible students possessed the following:
- Minimum SAT score of 1340 or ACT composite score of 28
- Overall ‘A’ average
- Challenging high school curriculum consisting of AP/IB/Honors courses
- Top 10% class rank (if applicable)
In recent years, Cathedral of Learning Prestige Scholarship eligible students possessed the following:
- Minimum SAT score of 1440 or ACT composite score of 31
- Overall ‘A’ average
- Challenging high school curriculum consisting of AP/IB/Honors courses
- Top 5% class rank (if applicable)
In addition, Pitt also awards approximately 24 full academic scholarships covering tuition, mandatory fees, and room/board to incoming students from underrepresented groups. These competitive full diversity scholarships include:
- Donald Henderson Scholarship: Swanson School of Engineering
- Helen Faison Scholarship: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
- Robert Lavelle Scholarship: College of Business Administration
- Adena Davis Scholarship: School of Nursing
In recent years, Donald Henderson, Helen Faison, Robert Lavelle, and Adena Davis Scholarships eligible students possessed the following:
- Minimum SAT score of 1520 or ACT composite score of 34
- Overall ‘A’ average
- Challenging high school curriculum consisting of AP/IB/Honors courses
- Top 3% class rank (if applicable)
NOTE: The above criteria are provided for the purposes of guidelines only and not meant as diversity scholarship requirements or guarantees.
PittFund$Me connects you with real, relevant scholarships. As a current Pitt student, you can log into PittFund$Me – hosted on the Scholarship Universe system – and answer a series of profile questions. The adaptive matching engine will display scholarship opportunities that are tailored to you. And don’t worry – you’ll only see institutional scholarships and vetted outside scholarships so you can be confident as you submit your scholarship applications.
You’ll be able to manage all of your applications right in a personalized dashboard – and we’ll even post alerts for new scholarships that might be interesting to you.
You have to own the scholarship search process – and we know it’s important to you. That’s why we want to help make it as easy as possible for you to feel totally in control.
The Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the University of Pittsburgh’s most prestigious awards. Awarded to incoming first-year students admitted to Pitt Honors, Chancellor’s Scholars receive the individualized attention of an academically demanding small college along with the scholarly advantages of a major research university.
Scholarship Details
The Chancellor’s Scholarship is a four year undergraduate award covering:
- Full tuition
- Mandatory fees
- Average room and board plan
- Guaranteed Pitt Honors housing
Eligibility Requirements
- Candidates must meet the December 1 Pitt Honors application deadline and be admitted into Pitt Honors
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Must be an incoming first-year student
- Must maintain full-time enrollment at the Pittsburgh campus
Selection Process
No more than 50 students admitted to Pitt Honors will be invited to an on-campus interview with the Chancellor’s Scholarship Selection Committee consisting of the Pitt Honors dean, director of advising, and academic advisors.
Selections for interviews are competitively based on a candidate’s high school academic record (submitted as part of the application for admission), results of the SAT/ACT (if applicable), and quality of the required PittHonors application essay questions. In addition, the Selection Committee will also seek an interview pool fairly representing the incoming class as demonstrated by academic schools/majors and demographics including residency, gender, ethnic diversity, etc.
Interview notifications will be sent in early-February and interviews will take place throughout the month of March. Only those candidates invited to the on-campus interviews will be notified. Those participants in the Chancellor’s Scholarship interview process are notified of their final status no later than mid-April. Each year, approximately 15 members of the incoming class are recipients of this competitive scholarship.
Scholarship Renewal Requirements
The Chancellor’s Scholarship can be used for four years/eight semesters of full-time undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus. To renew the scholarship on an annual basis, recipients must:
- Remain enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
- Maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average
- See our University Scholarship Guidelines for further requirements
Scholarships are awards provided by the University or outside organizations that do not need to be repaid. They are typically based on academic achievement. International freshmen will be automatically reviewed for scholarships provided they apply before February 1.
Eligibility
International freshmen who apply before February 1 will be reviewed for international student scholarships. International transfer students are not eligible for scholarship consideration.
Application Procedure
Students interested in being reviewed for scholarships must submit a completed application for admission and supporting credentials by February 1 at the latest. Students meeting that deadline are automatically reviewed for scholarships. The Committee makes decisions weekly on a rolling basis. Therefore, if you would like to increase your chances for scholarships, it is in your best interest to apply early.
Students who are selected to receive a scholarship will be notified by April 1.
There is not a separate scholarship application for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships, though if you wish to be considered for scholarships you will be required to complete the Short Answer Questions.
Value and Term
Scholarships for international students amount to $2,000 per year and are generally available for eight full time undergraduate terms, provided the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA and meets all of the other terms and conditions of the specific award. Learn more about requirements governing University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships.
What is the Tuition Exchange organization?
The University of Pittsburgh is a member of The Tuition Exchange which is a reciprocal scholarship program that allows dependent children of our faculty and staff to apply for competitive scholarships to other participating member institutions. The Tuition Exchange (TE) Scholarship organization requires that participating institutions maintain a balance between the number of students enrolled at host institutions (exported) with a TE scholarship and the number of students from other member schools who are enrolled at the home institution (imported) and supported with a TE scholarship. As a member, the University of Pittsburgh agrees to abide by the national policies and practices of the organization.
Transfer scholarships are based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership experiences, and scholarly contributions to the college/university community. All transfer students are considered for University of Pittsburgh scholarships, when they complete the Short Answer Questions.
Deadlines and Notification of Award
Incoming University of Pittsburgh transfer students should apply by October 1 for the Spring Semester (Awarded by December 1) and May 1 for fall consideration (Awarded by June 1).
Recipient Profile
Strong candidates will possess a minimum average GPA of 3.0 Due to the competitiveness of University Scholarships, most admitted students and their credentials are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee several times before a final decision is made.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Transfer and continuing students are encouraged to seek possible scholarship funding through the University’s scholarship database, PittFund$Me.
The Nordenberg Leadership Scholars Program is designed to reward the best and brightest student leaders from high schools in Pennsylvania who have demonstrated excellent leadership skills, innovative thinking, intellectual curiosity, and community involvement.
Nordenberg Leadership Scholars are provided with the resources for a rich collegiate experience with opportunities for academic achievement, leadership development, civic engagement, and interaction with organizations and corporations in the Pittsburgh region.
Scholarship Details
Each year, up to five graduating high school seniors from Pennsylvania will be selected to participate in the four-year program. Nordenberg Leadership Scholars will each receive a full-tuition scholarship for eight terms which may include one international experience as well as assistance with securing internship positions throughout their time at Pitt.
Eligibility Requirements
- Pennsylvania residency
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Full-time enrollment at the Pittsburgh campus
- Complete the Nordenberg Leadership Scholars application process
Application Process
Candidates must submit the PA Scholars application and a completed application for admission no later than December 1.
Selection Process
Representatives of the University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and the Division of Student Affairs will interview a select number of semifinalists by March 1. Recipients of the Nordenberg Leadership Scholarships will be notified of their selection on or before April 1.
Scholarship Renewal Requirements
The Nordenberg Leadership Scholarship can be used for four years/eight semesters of full-time undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh campus. To renew the scholarship on an annual basis, recipients must:
- Remain enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
- Maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average
In partnership with the Stamps Scholars Strive Foundation, the University of Pittsburgh is proud to offer the prestigious and generous Stamps Scholarship to five incoming first-year students from Pennsylvania. As a University of Pittsburgh Stamps Scholar, recipients will be provided with a comprehensive understanding of leadership from a domestic and global perspective.
Scholarship Details
Valued in excess of $160,000, the Stamps Scholarship is a four year undergraduate award covering:
- Full tuition
- Mandatory fees
- Room and board
The scholarship also includes:
- An allowance for books and supplies, transportation expenses, and personal costs
- Access to an enrichment fund of up to $17,400 to be used over four years for the purpose of study abroad, unpaid internships, leadership training, research, and other academic experiences
Eligibility Requirements
- Pennsylvania residency
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Full-time enrollment at the Pittsburgh campus
- Demonstrated leadership, scholarship, service, perseverance and innovation
Application Process
Candidates must submit the PA Scholars application and a completed application for admission no later than December 1.
Selection Process
The University of Pittsburgh will interview up to 32 Stamps Scholarship Semifinalists by March 1. Finalists will then be interviewed by representatives of the Stamps Scholars Strive Foundation who will make the final selection of five recipients. Recipients of the Stamps Scholarships will be notified of their selection on or before April 1.
Scholarship Renewal Requirements
The Stamps Scholarship can be used for four years/eight semesters of full-time undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh campus. To renew the scholarship on an annual basis, recipients must:
- Remain enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
- Maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average
Outside Scholarships
In addition to University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships, you may be eligible for non-University of Pittsburgh scholarships. For non-University of Pittsburgh scholarship opportunities, check out these websites:
- The Pittsburgh Promise
- National Merit Scholarship Corporation
- Fastweb
- The College Board
- American Education Services
PLEASE NOTE: If you receive scholarship funds that are not awarded by the University of Pittsburgh, be sure to report these funds to our office by completing the Information Update Form for your campus.
Please instruct the organization awarding your scholarship to include your full name and seven-digit student ID number on the scholarship check, and mail it to:
- University of Pittsburgh
Student Payment Center
139 University Place
G-9 Thackeray Hall
Pittsburgh PA 15260
Learn more about the process for 529 and College Savings Plan payments.