PITTSBURGH PUBLIC
SCHOLARS
Expanding Access to Higher Education in the City of Pittsburgh
All valedictorians and salutatorians in the Pittsburgh Public Schools system are guaranteed admission to one of our five Pitt campuses. All eligible students will receive a minimum of $2000* in scholarship funding and the University is committed to meeting the full financial need of any Pell Grant eligible Pittsburgh Public Scholars.
Eligibility for this program is typically determined after third quarter grades are available and valedictorian and salutatorian status can be officially confirmed. If you have any questions about your eligibility for the Pittsburgh Public Scholars program, please visit the FAQ section below.
Are you a Pittsburgh Public School student who attends Westinghouse or University Prep hoping to pursue the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship?
Pittsburgh Public Scholars FAQ
If I take a gap year, am I still eligible for the PPS scholars program?
Yes, if you graduated as the valedictorian or salutatorian of your PPS HS you are still eligible to participate, provided it is within one year of your high school graduation (i.e. if you graduate as a PPS Scholar this summer, you must enroll no later than Fall of 2020 to be eligible).
If I attended a different College/University, but graduated as the valedictorian or salutatorian of my high school class, will I be eligible for the program and scholarship as a transfer?
Currently, transfer students are not eligible for the program.
Does this mean I can go to the University of Pittsburgh for free?
You will either receive a minimum of $2000 in a University scholarship and, if you are Pell-eligible, the University will meet full financial need. The scholarship and aid can be used to cover tuition and room & board.
I received a University merit scholarship, can I still get the additional $2000 PPS scholarship?
No, if you were awarded a University scholarship, it will replace the $2000 PPS scholarship.
What does it mean to meet “full financial need”?
After your financial aid package is finalized with a Pell Grant and any additional aid (which can include federal and state grants, work-study dollars, University scholarships and grants, and/or federal loans)—your Cost of Attendance will be fully met once your financial aid and Federal Expected Family Contribution has been taken into consideration.
If I am eligible, is it guaranteed admission to the freshman entry school/college that I applied too?
Only if you have been recognized as being the valedictorian or salutatorian and after we receive your 3rd quarter grades from your counselor.
You are guaranteed admission to the University of Pittsburgh and we will review your file for the school to which you applied, however, admissions is not guaranteed to professional schools/colleges (i.e. nursing, business, engineering, computing and information)
If I am recognized as Pittsburgh Scholars am I able to attend one of the regional campuses?
Yes, you are eligible to attend either the Pittsburgh, Bradford, Johnstown or Greensburg campus, please contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, if you intend to enroll in any campus other than the Pittsburgh campus.