Getting StartedFinancial Aid
Financial aid at the University of Pittsburgh may include loans, grants, and scholarships.
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
The University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions and Financial Aid reviews all university students' applications for need-based financial aid. You can obtain information regarding the necessary forms and important deadline dates from the university's
financial aid Web site
.
NEW! Grants Available for Adult Students
Even if you were not eligible in the past for a state grant, you may be now. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has established a new grant program Workforce Advancement Grant for Education (WAGE). Visit
http://www.pheaa.org/specialprograms/wage.shtml
for details. The University of Pittsburgh College of General Studies is a participant in this program and has grants to award for the upcoming term. You must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), in order to be considered for these funds.
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. To search outside funds for which you may be eligible, use
FastWeb
as your financial aid search engine.
CGS Supplemental Financial Aid
Students who wish to be considered for supplemental financial aid may apply through the Office of the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, College of General Studies. Students must have a completed current application for university assistance and all federal programs, including loans, on file with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid located in Alumni Hall (forms are available on the financial aid website). CGS supplemental aid is awarded on a rolling basis and is need-based. The CGS
supplemental financial aid application (PDF format)
is available here and in the Office of the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs located in Room 454, Cathedral of Learning.
Scholarships For Enrolled CGS Students
Students can receive one academic scholarship per academic year. Any questions can be directed to the office of the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs by calling 412-624-6600 or e-mail jsmicale@pitt.edu.
Bettye J. and Ralph E. Bailey Scholarship
Background: This scholarship was established by alumnus Bettye J. Bailey and her husband Ralph. Mrs. Bailey earned her degree from CGS as a nontraditional student and recognized the difficulties that working adults have balancing their home, professional, and academic lives.
Award: The number and value of the awards may vary annually.
Who is eligible: CGS students who are nontraditional, attend part-time, and have financial need.
How to apply: By invitation only. Candidates must submit an essay and be interviewed by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.
Timing: Application process begins in the spring and awards are made by August.
The Chancellor's Evening Scholarship
Background: The Chancellor's Evening Scholarships are the most prestigious academic awards CGS students may receive at the University of Pittsburgh.
Award: The scholarship is for six credits per term, two terms per year for a maximum of 48 credits. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA).
Who is eligible: Each year CGS students who have demonstrated high academic excellence, are pursuing a CGS degree, and have a minimum of 48 credits are invited to apply for the scholarship.
How to apply: By invitation only. Candidates must complete a multi-step application process that includes faculty recommendations, a personal statement, and interviews.
Timing: The selection process begins in January, and recipients are chosen in April.
John C. Gongus, Jr. Scholarship
Background: This scholarship was established by alumnus John C. Gongus, Jr. Mr. Gongus wanted to assist CGS nontraditional students who are experiencing financial and time restraints while pursing their degree.
Award: The number of awards may vary. This is a one year scholarship in the amount of $2,500 ($1,200 is awarded for two consecutive terms).
Who is eligible: CGS students who are nontraditional and have financial need.
How to apply: By invitation only. Candidates must submit an essay and be interviewed by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.
Timing: Application process begins in the spring and awards are made in August.
The Steele Gow Student Government Scholarship
Background: The scholarship was established by the CGS Student Government to recognize the contributions of Dean Steele Gow upon his retirement in 1980.
Award: The one-time $600 award is based on merit, with some consideration given to financial need and involvement in CGS Student Government.
Who is eligible: CGS students with at least 30 graded credits and a 3.25 GPA may apply for this scholarship.
How to apply: Applications may be picked up in the Office of the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs located in Room 454, Cathedral of Learning.
Timing: Applications are due by February 1st. Awards are announced at the Excellence in CGS Reception in early spring.
The Ann M. Levenson Scholarship
Background: This scholarship is offered in recognition of the role former Associate Dean Ann M. Levenson played in the lives of CGS students.
Award: The one-year scholarship in the amount of $1000 ($500 for two consecutive terms) is made to a maximum of 25 students annually. Students must enroll for a minimum of 6 credits each term they are awarded the scholarship, cannot repeat as a Levenson Scholar within the same credit category, and must be pursuing a degree program offered by the College of General Studies.
Who is eligible: Students whose GPAs put them at the top of each of the following categories:
- Students with less than 24 credits
- Students with 24 to 47 credits
- Students with 48 to 71 credits
- Students with 72 credits or moreHow to apply: Students are automatically considered for this scholarship
How to apply: Students are automatically considered for this scholarship.
Timing: Recipients are named at the end of each spring term.
Bruce P. McGough Scholarship
Background: Bruce P. McGough is an alumnus of CGS. He established this scholarship to assist CGS students in pursuing their degree.
Award: The number of awards may vary. This is a one year scholarship in the amount of $2,000 ($1,000 is awarded for two consecutive terms).
Who is eligible: CGS students who demonstrate financial need.
How to apply: By invitation only. Candidates must submit an essay and be interviewed by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.
Timing: Application process begins in the spring and awards are made by August.
The Tom R. Slone Scholarship
Background: Established by CGS alumnus Tom R. Slone, this scholarship is available to mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring organization who enroll for a recognized program of study in CGS.
Award: The number and value of the awards may vary annually. At a minimum, individual awards will cover the full cost of tuition and fees for one course per fall and spring semester.
Who is eligible: Award decisions are based on a combination of an individual's financial need and merit.
How to apply: Contact your local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization or contact an academic advisor in CGS.
Timing: New students should apply for the scholarship at the same time they apply for admission to the college. Continuing students should apply by May 30.
Scholarship For Newly Admitted Students Who Transfer Into CGS
The John O. Bolvin Scholarship
Background: This scholarship is offered in recognition of the role former Dean John O. Bolvin played in establishing CGS as a nontraditional entry to the University of Pittsburgh.
Award: A one-year scholarship in the amount of $1000 is awarded ($500 for two consecutive terms) each year to a maximum of 25 new transfer students to the University of Pittsburgh. Awardees must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits per term) in a degree program offered by the College of General Studies.
Who is eligible: Selection is based on academic performance at the student's previous institution with preference given to students from local community colleges.
How to apply: All transfer applicants are automatically considered for this award.
Timing:
Recipients are named each on a rolling basis for both the fall and spring terms.