FINANCIAL AID REQUIREMENTS AND ELIGIBILITY
Prioritizing access to education is a core commitment at the University of Pittsburgh and we understand that affordability is a crucial component for continuing education. It is important to keep in mind that there are specific requirements students must meet to be considered for U.S. Financial Aid. All students, regardless of eligibility for financial aid, should consider multiple methods of funding.
Who Qualifies for Financial Aid?
The federal government requires students to be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at an eligible college or career/trade school, and meet the criteria for need-based assistance programs.
International, non-degree seeking, and visiting students are not eligible for U.S. Financial Aid and are encouraged to explore additional resources such as scholarships, non-federal grants, and international student loan programs.
How to Qualify for Financial Aid
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is the gateway to understanding what financial aid opportunities are available to qualifying students and is required for grants , federal loans, and federal work-study jobs. Students, parents, and borrowers will need to create a StudentAid.gov account before starting the FAFSA form.
What are the Requirements to be Considered For Financial Aid at Pitt?
- Be a U.S. citizen or provide documentation of permanent resident or refugee status. International, non-degree seeking and/or visiting students are not eligible for financial aid.
- Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program at the University. (Students enrolled for less than half-time are sometimes eligible for a federal Pell grant).
- Be registered with the Selective Service, if eligible.
- Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on any federal educational loan.
- Current students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward their degree and be in good academic standing.
Eligibility for financial aid is a combination of the above factors. It’s essential to be proactive, stay informed, and regularly check for updates or changes in criteria. By doing so, students can optimize their chances of receiving the financial support they need for their academic journey.
Full-time enrollment is defined as taking at least 12 credits per term for undergraduates. On the other hand, graduate students achieve full-time status with a minimum of 9 credits per term
Undergraduate students are considered to be enrolled half-time when they take a minimum of 6 credits per term. Half-time enrollment equates to a minimum of 4.5 credits per term for graduate students.
Graduate Students who are enrolled at least half-time basis are generally eligible for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (graduate students are not eligible for Direct Subsidized funds), the Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan, and/or the Private Educational Loan. Graduate students planning on using loans should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and may also check with their specific graduate school for scholarship opportunities.
If you are planning on taking classes in the summer, please contact us. Since the summer terms are part of the full academic year and is considered a trailer semester, eligibility for financial aid during this term may be limited if you have used most or all of your aid during the fall and spring terms. If you are interested in using the Federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan, you may complete the Summer Loan Application.