Financial Aid

Overview of Financial Aid

Many Pitt Public Health doctoral students and some master’s students receive some type of financial aid in the form of student loans, full or partial scholarships, fellowships, student hourly jobs, or assistantships. While funding is not guaranteed for every student, Pitt Public Health provided more than $5 million in financial aid last year. Check the school-level tuition and financial aid overview to review options for financing your degree, then contact your department for more information.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITIES

HUGEN Department Scholarships

Scholarships, outside funding opportunities, and loans are available financial aid options for master's-level students. Current master’s students support themselves through loans, scholarships, and part-time employment within and outside of the school and University. After their first year, almost all doctoral students will identify a Graduate Research Assistant (GSR) position.  As part of their GSR position, they will receive a tuition waiver and annual stipend, as well as health insurance.

HUGEN Master’s Student Scholarships and Aid

HUGEN has a limited amount of partial tuition scholarships reserved for the most outstanding master level applicants. Applicants and students are encouraged to visit the Financial Aid page, listing grants and scholarships available to Pitt Public Health students. Applicants are encouraged to apply for scholarships and seek external funding sources prior to beginning their education.

Dean’s Public Health Scholar award

  • 50 percent tuition scholarship for up to two years of full-time study.
  • HUGEN nominates one incoming student for the award, but qualified accepted applicants can apply directly for the remaining two positions the school provides by submitting a statement about how they will contribute to the diversity and inclusiveness of the Pitt Public Health student body. Eligible applicants will be contacted directly regarding the scholarship application process. 
  • Eligibility Requirements
    • U.S. citizen

C.C. Li and Clara Li Endowed scholarship

Devoted to advancing the recruitment of top master's and doctoral applicants to the Department of Human Genetics, the endowment can be used to support tuition, travel, or other educational expenses for students studying at any level in the department. C. C. and Clara Li Scholar Awards are offered to incoming students from each of the department’s programs. There is no application for the C.C. Li and Clara Li Endowed Scholarship, and all matriculated students are considered. It is typically awarded in July.

You can learn more about the scholarship as well as Dr. Li’s legacy and contribution to the department here C.C. Li Information Hub.

Travel Grants

Travel funds through Pitt Public Health and other School organizations can be found on Pitt Public Health’s Financial Aid page under “Other Financial Support – Travel Awards for Conferences and International Study.”

Loans

Student loan applications are processed by the University’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA). For instructions, eligibility requirements, and more, please visit the OAFA Web site. To apply for a federal or state loan, students need to complete the FAFSA. Generally, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The suggested deadline to complete these forms are June 1 (fall term), October 1 (spring term), and February 1 (summer term). Students are encouraged to apply early. Call 412-624-7488 to check the status of your loan application.

Employment

Students who have secured employment positions within the school or University locate positions through the University’s job listing, networking with their faculty advisor, and contacting directors of Pitt Public Health’s research centers.

Pitt Public Health and University Scholarships

For more info on these and other school or University-level awards, plus external funding opportunities, read more.

External Funding Opportunities

A list of external funding opportunities can be found at the bottom of the page at publichealth.pitt.edu/scholarships.

Other Student Benefits

Free Transportation

Pitt has arranged for free transportation throughout Allegheny County via the Port Authority Transit (PAT) bus system. Any bus - anytime, anywhere - is free, including those to downtown and the airport. There is also a T light rail system operating downtown and to the South Hills, as well as inclines from the South Side and Station Square to Mount Washington.

University Student Health Services

Students who pay the student health service fee each semester are covered from the first day of the semester to the last. Students have access to the majority of medical services available at the Student Health Service facility at little or no additional cost.

University Fitness Centers

The student fitness centers provide structured activities and maintain open recreation facilities for the university population of 38,000 students, faculty and staff. All full-time Pitt students have the opportunity to receive a free fitness assessment at the Baierl Student Recreation Center, Trees Hall Fitness Center or Bellefield Fitness Center. Bike rentals and outdoor recreation programs are also available.

Discounts on Pittsburgh Activities

Pitt students have the opportunity to visit many of Pittsburgh’s museums free as well as get discounted tickets to various shows around Pittsburgh. For more information, visit Pitt Arts

Coverdell Fellows Program

Pitt Public Health invites Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) to apply for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, which provides financial support towards a Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science (MS) degree as well as experience working with local underserved communities.  You can learn more about the Coverdell Fellows Program here: https://publichealth.pitt.edu/coverdell