Scholarship and Financial Assistance

College of General Studies students seeking degrees and certificates can apply for financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. To determine your eligibility for financial aid, you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA) manages need-based financial aid for all University students.

Students applying for loans, such as the Stafford Federal Student Loan, Graduate PLUS Loan, or similar alternative education loans offered through other agencies or private banks, must complete the Financial Aid Application Supplement (FAAS). You should submit the FAFSA as soon as you can after January 1 of the calendar year in which you plan to enroll and will need aid.

Visit the OAFA Web site for more information regarding the FAFSA and FAAS.

State Grants

To qualify for the Pennsylvania State Grant Program (PHEAA), you must complete the following steps and meet the following criteria:

• Complete the FAFSA
• Be a Pennsylvania resident for a least 12 months
• Be a graduate of an approved high school or have a General Education Development (GED) degree
• Meet criteria for financial need
• Be enrolled for at least six credits as an undergraduate
• Be enrolled in an approved program of study for at least two academic years
• Earn at least fifty percent of the total credits or credit hours required for completing your program of study through classroom instruction
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
• Not have received the maximum number of Pennsylvania State Grants permitted
• Not be in default or pending default on an education loan

The deadline to apply for a state grant is May 1 for first time applicants in undergraduate degree programs and renewal applicants.

In addition, the state provides special program grants for veterans, National Guard members, and students pursuing particular fields of study. Browse additional information about the Pennsylvania State Grant Programs.

Other Funds

In addition to University, federal, and state aid programs, there are a number of funding opportunities available nationwide through corporations and other organizations. Information on other available funding sources can be found on the financial aid search engine.

Supplemental Aid Scholarship

Supplemental aid awards based on financial need are available to College of General Studies students. If you wish to be considered for a $2,000 supplemental aid scholarship, you may apply through the Office of the Associate Dean, College of General Studies. Download the Supplemental Aid Scholarship Application, or obtain a copy at the reception desk on the fourth floor of the Cathedral of Learning. Applications for 2013-2014 must be submitted by April 26th and scholarships will be awarded in May for the following academic year. There also may be a limited amount of scholarships available for students first enrolling in the spring term. Please discuss this with your advisor at your first advising appointment.

You must complete the following steps and meet the following criteria to qualify for supplemental aid:

• Must not be eligible for tuition remission
• Must have a FAFSA on file with the University’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA)
• Must be registered for at least six credits per term
• Must have a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) to be eligible for current students, or over a 2.5 GPA for new students
• Must be enrolled in a College of General Studies degree program.

Evaluation criteria will be based on financial need which will be determined by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA. Should this scholarship be awarded and all courses are dropped, these funds will be returned to the College of General Studies.

Scholarships for New Students

Commonwealth Scholarship Program

This scholarship is available to underrepresented students who are transferring to CGS from an area community college, have earned or will earn an associate's degree, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipients receive a tuition and fees scholarship for enrollment in Mastering the University, a first-year transfer experience course. Students in the Commonwealth Scholarship Program are also automatically reviewed for academic year scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, and may be eligible to receive future scholarships.

How to apply:

New community college transfer students should contact Kaitlin Yacob about the new student scholarship.

Scholarships for Enrolled Students

Chancellor's Evening Scholarships

These are the most prestigious academic awards that a College of General Studies student can receive. Students who have demonstrated high academic achievement with a minimum 3.75 GPA, have completed 24 credits in CGS, are pursuing a CGS degree, and have completed a minimum of 48 credits may be invited to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship is for six credits per term, two terms per year for a maximum of 48 credits, and recipients must continue to maintain a minimum 3.75 GPA.

How to apply:

This is by invitation only. Candidates must complete a multi-step application process that includes faculty recommendations, a personal statement, and interviews. The section process begins in January, and recipients are chosen in April.

Tom R. Slone Scholarship

Established by CGS alumnus Tom R. Slone (CGS ’88), this scholarship is available to mentors in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters youth mentoring organization who are enrolled in a College of General Studies course of study. Specific award decisions are based on a combination of an individual’s financial need and merit, and the number and value of awards may vary annually. At minimum, individual awards cover the full cost of tuition and fees for one course per term.

How to apply:

Contact OAFA at 412-624-7488 or by E-mail at oafa@pitt.edu to find out how to submit your application. Be sure to indicate that you are a current Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentor. All applications must be submitted to OAFA by May 31. Applicants will need to provide a short, one-page essay of your experiences in Big Brothers/Big Sisters and discuss how this scholarship will assist you in accomplishing your personal and educational goals. Make sure to complete a FAFSA application.

Bettye J. and Ralph E. Bailey Scholarship

Established by Bettye J. (CGS ’84) and Ralph E. Bailey, this scholarship provides financial aid to College of General Studies students. Award decisions are based on a combination of an individual’s financial need and merit. Priority is given to part-time, nontraditional adult students enrolled in the College of General Studies. The specific number and value of awards may vary annually.

How to apply:

This is by invitation only. Students are evaluated by admissions and College of General Studies staff for this scholarship.

Commonwealth Scholarship

This is a summer scholarship for continuing students who are enrolled in a CGS degree program, have a FAFSA and FAAS on file with OAFA, and have a GPA of 2.0 or better. The scholarship covers the tuition and fees for one three-credit course.

How to apply:

Continuing students will be sent an invitation to apply for this scholarship in the spring term. Those invited must complete an application stating how they will use the funds and outline the courses they plan to take. Contact the departmental administrator/grants coordinator at 412-624-6608 to find out how to be considered for this scholarship.

Steele Gow Scholarship:

The College of General Studies offers the Steele Gow Scholarship to current College of General Studies' students. CGS students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above, are currently enrolled in at least 6 credits, and have completed at least 12 graded credits in the College of General Studies are eligible. Financial need and involvement in CGS student organizations are considered when choosing the recipient. Finalists may have an interview with the selection committee and the recipient will be announced at the CGS Excellence Reception. The award is an $2000 ($1000 per term) scholarship for the following academic year.

How to apply:

Students may apply for this scholarship in the spring term. In addition to completing an application, students must compose a one page letter addressing one or more of the following: why did you enroll in CGS; how/why did you choose your CGS major; what campus/CGS organizations do you participate in and why; what are your plans after graduation?

The application deadline for the 2013-2014 scholarship is April 1, 2013. Applications should be returned via e-mail or regular mail to: