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.
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.
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 Science (MS) degree as well as experience working with local underserved communities.
Coverdell Fellows receive a 40 percent tuition and 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!
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, External Funding Opportunities
For more info on these and other school or University-level awards, plus external funding opportunities, read more.
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