Scholarships

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), and results of the SAT or ACT.

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.

Diversity Scholarships
Academic criteria for diversity scholarship consideration include weighted grade point average, consistency of grades, strength of high school curriculum, SAT/ACT scores, class rank (if applicable). Quality of short answer responses submitted as part of the admissions application is also considered. Awards can be used for four years/eight semesters, provided the recipient maintains a 3.00 cumulative grade point average.

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.

In addition, Pitt also awards approximately 24 full academic scholarships covering tuition, mandatory fees, and room/board to incoming students from underrepresented groups. The 24 full scholarships also include a one-time $500 book award. 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

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 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, 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

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
The application for this award will open on September 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
The application for this award will open on September 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

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.

Tuition Exchange for Incoming Pitt Students
If your parent works at one of the participating colleges or universities, you may be eligible for a Tuition Exchange Scholarship at Pitt. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the Tuition Exchange Scholarship will cover tuition up to $38,000 at the University of Pittsburgh.

Eligibility
We award a limited number of Tuition Exchange Scholarships every year to incoming freshmen. In the 2019-2020 academic year, we received 340+ applications for these limited spaces, so please be aware that this is a very competitive process. We evaluate students based on their high school academic record including weighted GPA, strength of curriculum, class rank (if applicable), SAT/ACT, and quality of admission application essays.

In recent years, scholarship eligible students possessed ALL of the following:

• Minimum SAT score of 1470 or 33 ACT composite
• Overall ‘A’ average
• Top 5% class rank (if applicable) while participating in challenging high school curriculums consisting of AP/IB/Honors courses

You must be accepted to the University of Pittsburgh prior to being reviewed for Tuition Exchange. Please note that the Tuition Exchange Scholarship will replace any merit scholarship the University of Pittsburgh previously awarded to you.

Tuition Exchange Scholarships are awarded for four years/eight terms. In order to receive and maintain the scholarship, students must be enrolled as a full-time student and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Guidelines.

Application Process
Be sure to apply for admissions and complete the Tuition Exchange process through the school where your parent is employed. Priority will be given to students who have completed the Tuition Exchange application and have been admitted to the University of Pittsburgh on or before December 15. We will notify Tuition Exchange Scholarship recipients of their award by the end of February.

Tuition Exchange for Students Going to Partner Schools
If your parent works at Pitt and you would like to apply for a Tuition Exchange Scholarship at any of the partner colleges or universities, please follow the directions outlined here.

Eligibility

• Application for scholarship through the Tuition Exchange Program is open only to first-time, full-time freshmen dependents of regular full-time employees with at least one year of full-time service.
• Preference is given to first time participants in the Tuition Exchange Program.
• Due to the large number of faculty and staff employed by the University of Pittsburgh, participation may be limited based on the parent’s length of full-time service at the University of Pittsburgh. Length of service will be defined by the date(s) of full-time hire by the Office of Human Resources Benefits Department. In recent years, employees with 10 years of service or more had their Tuition Exchange Scholarship Applications submitted to their requested schools. Faculty or staff with less than 10 years of service have been placed on a waitlist and their application sent to the requested schools only if space becomes available. This typically does not occur until early May.
• Eligible dependent students are sponsored for a maximum of four years (eight semesters) of full-time undergraduate study.
• Eligibility does not guarantee an award. Each individual institution determines its admission criteria, the number of scholarships offered, and the timeline for its process. Please contact the Tuition Exchange Liaison Officer at your prospective college for additional information.
• The deadline for submitting an application for Tuition Exchange is April 1 for the subsequent Fall Term. Please Note: While the University of Pittsburgh deadline to apply is April 1, many schools begin making scholarships decisions well before April 1. It is suggested that you complete this TE application process between October 15 and January 30 of your student’s senior year in high school.

Please see University Policy 09-03-01 for additional information.

Application Process

• Review the list of Tuition Exchange schools. Most students will complete this process between September and January of their senior year in high school. If the school you are interested in is not on the list, you cannot apply for a TE scholarship for that school. Unfortunately, the Tuition Exchange organization does not allow us to ask that a school be added to the program.
• Complete the following applications when they become available:
  • 2020-21 applications are no longer being accepted at this time
  • 2021-22 applications will be available by September 1, 2020

Once the employee submits the online Tuition Exchange Scholarship Application, the application will be forwarded to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to certify that the employee is eligible for their application to be exported.

The Employee Certification of Eligibility Form and a copy of the employee’s most recent Federal U.S. Tax Return showing the eligible student is claimed as a dependent should be submitted to the following office:

Fax: 412­-624­-3485 or hr-benque@pitt.edu

Note: It is not secure to submit tax forms via email that contain social security numbers. Please redact the social security number on any tax forms submitted.

• Human Resources will forward the Employee Certification of Eligibility Form to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid after confirming the student is listed as a dependent on the most recent copy of the Federal U.S. Tax Return and the employee’s years of service at the University.
• If the student meets the eligibility requirements, the Tuition Exchange Application that was submitted online will be exported to the selected schools electronically. A confirmation letter will also be mailed indicating the schools where the application was submitted.
• Begin the application process for each school. Most schools will not review a student for Tuition Exchange unless the student has been accepted to the institution.
• The host school or schools will evaluate the student’s application. The procedure for reviewing and processing TE applications at host schools varies. If you have not heard from a specific school or want more information about their selection process, you can contact the school directly.
• If you are awarded a Tuition Exchange Scholarship, please notify our office if you plan to use the scholarship as soon as you have made your decision. If you have a scholarship offer that you do not plan to use, please notify our office as soon as possible so that other waitlisted students might be considered.
• If you are awarded a Tuition Exchange Scholarship as a freshman, you will not need to re-apply for future years. This is done automatically by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid after confirming the parent remains employed full-time at the University of Pittsburgh.