SCHOLARSHIPS
How Do I Get an Academic Scholarship?
At the University of Pittsburgh, we understand the importance of supporting our students’ academic journeys. For those searching for Academic Scholarships, our Financial Aid Department is your primary resource. On this page, you’ll find detailed information on how to apply for academic scholarships, including the necessary documentation and application procedures. If you’re aiming for full-ride financial aid, it’s crucial to be thorough in your application and meet all the criteria. One of our most prestigious awards is the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which offers full-tuition scholarships to deserving candidates. If you’re wondering, “when do scholarships get awarded?” specific dates vary, but please feel free to contact us about scholarships you’re unclear about. We encourage all students to explore these opportunities to alleviate tuition costs and achieve their academic dreams.
Academic Scholarships
Competitively awarded, Pitt academic scholarships are based on a combination of outstanding academic achievement, holistic factors provided in a candidate’s personal statement or Common Application essay, and potential for scholarly contributions to the University of Pittsburgh community. Incoming first-year students who have a completed application for admission with all required materials by December 1 are automatically considered for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships. Additionally, the Chancellor’s Scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students to Frederick Honors College.
Eligibility for Scholarships
Incoming first-year students are considered for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships. Continuing students are encouraged to seek potential scholarship funding through the University’s scholarship database, PittFund$Me. In addition to meeting the December 1 completed application deadline, the following criteria also apply:
- Submission of a personal statement or the Common Application essay is required for scholarship consideration.
- Some scholarships require participation in an interview prior to selection and/or may have additional requirements (see scholarship types below).
- Students admitted for the spring semester are not eligible for scholarship consideration.
Detailed guidelines and requirements governing academic scholarships can be found here.
University Scholarships are the most common type of merit award and are primarily academic scholarships based on performance in high school. Criteria include weighted grade point average, rigor of curriculum (AP/IB/Honors courses), class rank (if applicable), and SAT/ACT results (if applicable). In addition, various non-numerical, holistic factors, as presented in the personal statement or Common Application essay, that describe the candidate’s background are also a part of the review process. These holistic factors allow for a diverse and multi-talented student body. Holistic criteria may include exceptional and unique talents, commitment to community service and leadership, significant family, job, or community responsibility, and contributions to diversity.
Number, Value, and Term of University Scholarships
University Scholarships range from $2,000 per year to $20,000 per year. University Scholarships are available for four years/eight semesters of undergraduate study provided the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress and meets all other terms and conditions of the award. Learn more about requirements governing University Scholarships.
Notification of Award
Due to the competitiveness of University Scholarships, most admitted students are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee several times before a final decision is made. As a result, those students selected to receive an award will be notified anytime between late-October and March 1, regardless of the date admitted. Only students who are selected to receive an award will be notified.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
PittFund$Me connects you with real, relevant scholarships. As an admitted or 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 Frederick Honors College, Chancellor’s Scholars receive the individualized attention of an academically demanding small college along with the scholarly advantages of a major research university.
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 Frederick Honors College housing
Eligibility Requirements
- Candidates must meet the December 1 Frederick Honors College application deadline and be admitted into Frederick Honors College
- 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 Frederick Honors College will be invited to an on-campus interview with the Chancellor’s Scholarship Selection Committee consisting of the Frederick Honors College 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 Frederick Honors College 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,etc.
Interview notifications will be sent in early-March 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)
Satisfactory Academic Progress. See our University Scholarship Guidelines for further requirements
Scholarships for international students can amount to up to $10,000 per year and are generally available for eight full-time undergraduate terms, provided the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress and meets all of the other terms and conditions of the specific award. Learn more about the requirements governing the University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships.
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 Question.
Value and Term
Scholarships for international students can amount to up to $10,000 per year and are generally available for eight full-time undergraduate terms, provided the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA and meets all of the other terms and conditions of the specific award. Learn more about requirements governing University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships.
What is the Tuition Exchange organization?
The University of Pittsburgh is a member of The Tuition Exchange which is a reciprocal scholarship program that allows dependent children of our faculty and staff to apply for competitive scholarships to other participating member institutions. The Tuition Exchange (TE) Scholarship organization requires that participating institutions maintain a balance between the number of students enrolled at host institutions (exported) with a TE scholarship and the number of students from other member schools who are enrolled at the home institution (imported) and supported with a TE scholarship. As a member, the University of Pittsburgh agrees to abide by the national policies and practices of the organization.
Transfer scholarships are based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership experiences, and scholarly contributions to the college/university community. All transfer students are considered for University of Pittsburgh scholarships, when they complete the Short Answer Questions.
Deadlines and Notification of Award
Incoming University of Pittsburgh transfer students should apply by July 1 for fall consideration
Recipient Profile
Strong candidates will possess a minimum average GPA of 3.0 Due to the competitiveness of University Scholarships, most admitted students and their credentials are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee several times before a final decision is made.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Transfer and continuing students are encouraged to seek possible scholarship funding through the University’s scholarship database, PittFund$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 Satisfactory Academic Progress
In partnership with the Stamps Scholars Program, 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 global experiences, 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 Program, 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 Satisfactory Academic Progress
Academic Scholarships are financial awards given to students based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and other merit-based criteria. At the University of Pittsburgh, these scholarships aim to recognize and support outstanding academic performance.
The Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of our most prestigious awards. To apply, use the ‘Apply’ button found above, where you’ll login, provide information about your financial aid needs, and be matched with scholarships that are relevant to you.
Yes, the University of Pittsburgh offers Full Tuition Scholarships, including the renowned Chancellor’s Scholarship. These scholarships cover the entire tuition fee for selected students, ensuring they can focus solely on their studies.
Scholarship requirements vary depending on the specific scholarship. Generally, they may include academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and more. Detailed criteria can be found on our website.
The timeline for when scholarships get awarded can differ based on the scholarship in question. However, most scholarship decisions are announced in the spring. Ensure you check the specific scholarship’s details for exact dates.
Full-ride financial aid covers tuition in addition to other expenses like room and board. To be considered, ensure you meet all scholarship requirements and complete the FAFSA for a comprehensive financial assessment.
To learn how to apply for academic scholarships, visit our official website. The ‘Scholarships’ section provides step-by-step guidance, from documentation to submission procedures.
Absolutely! Completing the FAFSA for merit scholarships can position students favorably for various merit-based opportunities. It provides a comprehensive financial profile, allowing for a holistic evaluation of candidates.