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 & Financial Assistance

Accelerated Schedule Option

MPH-PEL, and MPH-MIC students have the option to complete their degree on an accelerated schedule (3 terms) for an early graduation and up to $20,000 savings!

MS students, also have the opportunity to save substantially by completing the coursework in three terms, while being required to take a minimum of only ONE lab credit in their fourth term.

Note that the accelerated schedule options above are not available to University of Pittsburgh students interested in the Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's "4+1" program, which sets its own accelerated schedule. Find more information about the 4+1 program currently available to Pitt undergraduate students.

If you’re interested in these opportunities, contact idm@pitt.edu.

IDM 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. Current doctoral students receive a tuition waiver and annual stipend.

External Funding Opportunities

A list of external funding opportunities can be found at the bottom of the page on Grants and Scholarships.

IDM Master’s Student Scholarships and Aid

IDM 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.

Bob Yee Scholarship

Awards 1 outstanding, incoming MS student, 1 outstanding, incoming MPH-MIC student, and 1 outstanding, incoming MPH-PEL student with $1,000 to assist in covering their education related expenses.

There is no application for the Bob Yee Public Health Scholarship, and all matriculated students are considered. It is typically awarded in July. Suitable candidates are identified by a thorough review of their undergraduate grades, test scores, and letters of recommendation with the goal of enhancing student diversity in the department. The scholarships are made possible by the generous support of alumni and friends through the Bob Yee Fund, established in memory of the department’s longest-serving faculty member, Robert B. Yee.

Janet E. Stout Endowed Scholar Program

Established to support the educational and research endeavors of IDM students, this award provides resources to cover the annual stipend and related benefits until completion of their program if successful progress is made toward dissertation defense. 

Program scholar awards will be presented to a select PhD student who has successfully passed the comprehensive examination working in a lab within IDM. The program scholar will demonstrate academic excellence with commitment to their area of study representing the IDM graduate program in the School of Public Health.

Monto Ho IDM Scholarship

IDM makes three awards of $750 each for education related expenses to incoming master’s degree students based on academic merit and promise. There will be one student from each master’s program selected.

The scholarships are made possible by the generous support of donors to the Monto Ho Scholarship Endowment which was established in memory of the former IDM department chair.

Note: For 2023-24, second year students were recipients as a kick-off to awarding this funding source. Beginning with Fall 2024, the Monto Ho scholarship will only be presented to incoming students. 

Travel Grants

IDM has grants available to help supplement travel costs for master and doctoral students presenting a poster, giving an oral presentation at a domestic or international conference, or completing a practicum abroad. Current students interested in applying for a travel grant through IDM should complete the request form.

More travel funds through other University sources can be found on Pitt Public Health’s Financial Aid page.

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.

Opportunities for IDM Doctoral Students

The department offers a comprehensive and competitive package to support doctoral students’ GSRs throughout their graduate careers.

Tuition Waiver

For doctoral students, tuition is paid in full every semester. This benefit can amount to about $20,000 per semester depending on the student’s course load and residency status.

Annual Stipend

As of 2023, the stipend amounts to $36,000 per year. The department provides stipend support for the student’s first two semesters, independent of any teaching or research commitment. After the first two semesters, the student’s faculty research advisor provides support.

Health Insurance

The University of Pittsburgh provides excellent health insurance options, providing doctoral students with complete medical coverage free of charge; supplementary dental and vision plans are also available. Spouses and children can be included in our medical plans at very reasonable costs.

Pitt Public Health and University Scholarships

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

Campaign for the Next 5000 Alumni

Nomination required by department Financial support based on need, merit, and diversity.

Duncan Scholarship

Priority given to underrepresented students nomination required by department

Owens Fellowship
  • Call OAFA at 412-624-7488 for application
  • Usually available in February
  • Need based for students who show promise of high academic achievement.
  • Annual stipend of $2,000–$6,000 (may be used to pay for tuition, books, and living expenses during the academic year for which the award is granted)

Owens Fellowship

Pitt Alumni Association Scholarship
  • Awarded to an incoming or currently enrolled Pitt graduate student who also received his/her undergraduate degree from Pitt.
  • Students interested in applying should ask about the application in the dean’s office of their school in late December.

University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association Scholarship ($5000)

The George L. Carson Graduate Fellowship for Pitt Alumni
  • Awarded to a graduate student who was affiliated with a Pitt athletics program as an undergraduate.
  • Applications will be available in February and are typically due May 1
  • Contact the Student Life and Compliance Office in the Athletics Department with questions.
Other Student Benefits
Free Transportation

Pitt has arranged for free transportation throughout Allegheny County via Pittsburgh Regional Transit. 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.

Coverdell Fellows receive a 50 percent tuition & fees scholarship for up to four academic terms of study at Pitt Public Health. If you're interested in pursuing an MPH or MS degree, simply check the RPCV box on your SOPHAS application!

Coverdell Fellows Program
Students with laptops and coffee