CGS - College of General Studies - University of Pittsburgh

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Financial aid at the University of Pittsburgh includes loans, grants, and scholarships. The first step to getting financial aid is filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Information on the FAFSA is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. In addition, students applying for student loans such as the Stafford Federal Student Loan, Graduate PLUS Loan, or other alternative education loans offered through other agencies or private banks must complete the Financial Aid Application Supplement (FAAS), which is available at www.oafa.pitt.edu.

The University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions and Financial Aid reviews all University applications for need-based financial aid. More information regarding the FAFSA and FAAS is available at www.oafa.pitt.edu.

State Grants

Students must complete the following steps and meet the following criteria in order to qualify for the Pennsylvania State Grant Program:

• Complete the FAFSA
• Be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 12 months
• Be a graduate of an approved high school or have a GED
• Meet criteria for financial need
• Be enrolled for at least six credits as an undergraduate
• Be enrolled in an approved program of study for least two academic years.
• Earn, through classroom instruction, at least 50 percent of the total credits/clock hours required for completing the program of study
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
• The deadline to apply for a state grant is May 1 for first time applicants
  in undergraduate degree programs and renewal applicants
• In addition, the state provides special program grants for veterans, National Guard members, and students pursing particular fields of study. More information about the Pennsylvania State Grant Programs can be found at www.pheaa.org.

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. Information on other available funding sources can be found at www.fastweb.com, a financial aid search engine.

CGS Supplemental Aid Scholarship

Students who wish to be considered for supplemental financial aid may apply through the Office of the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, College of General Studies. Applications for supplemental aid can be obtained at the CGS reception desk or downloaded here. Applications must be submitted by April 30th and scholarships will be awarded in May.

Students must complete the following steps and meet the following criteria in order to qualify for CGS supplemental aid:

• Not eligible for tuition remission.
• Have a FAFSA on file with the University's Office of Admissions & Financial Aid
• Must be registered for at least 6 credits for fall term.
• Must have a 2.5 GPA to be eligible (for current students) or over a 2.5 GPA (for new students).

Evaluation criteria will be based on financial need which will be determined by a student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from their FAFSA.

Note:  Should this scholarship be awarded and fall courses are dropped, these funds will be returned to CGS.

Supplemental aid is awarded as follows:

• $2,000 for the upcoming academic year.

Scholarships for Newly Admitted CGS Students

The John O. Bolvin Scholarship

Background: This scholarship is offered in recognition of the role that former Dean John O. Bolvin played in establishing CGS as a nontraditional entry into the University of Pittsburgh.
Award: A one year award in the amount of $1000 is awarded ($500 for two consecutive terms)
Who is eligible: Students who are new transfer students to the University. Priority is given to students transferring from Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). Students must have a minimum of 24 transferable credits prior to starting their studies in the College of General Studies. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA from their prior school. Recipients must be enrolled for at least six credits in order to be eligible.
How to apply: All transfer applicants are automatically eligible for this award.
Timing: Recipients are named on a rolling basis for the fall and spring terms

Scholarships for Enrolled CGS Students

The Chancellor’s Evening Scholarship

Background: The Chancellor’s Evening Scholarships are the most prestigious academic awards that CGS students can 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 3.75 GPA.
Who is eligible: Students who demonstrate high academic achievement with a minimum 3.75 GPA, have completed 24 credits in CGS, are pursuing a CGS degree, and have completed a minimum of 48 credits may be 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. Recipients are chosen in April.

John C. Gongas, Jr. Scholarship

Background: This scholarship was established by alumnus John C. Gongas, Jr. in order to assist CGS nontraditional students who are facing financial and time constraints while pursing their degree.
Award: The number of awards may vary. This is a one-year scholarship in the amount of $2,500 ($1,250 is awarded for two consecutive terms).
Who is eligible: CGS students who are nontraditional, are enrolled in a CGS major, and have a GPA of at least 2.0.
How to apply: By invitation only.
Timing: The application process begins in the spring and awards are given in August

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 are enrolled in a CGS course of study.
Award: The number and value of awards may vary annually. At minimum, individual awards cover the full cost of tuition and fees for one course per term.
Who is eligible: Award decisions are based on a combination of an individual’s financial need and merit.
How to apply: Submit your application to OAFA by May 31 and indicate that you are a current Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentor. Provide a short, one-page essay of your experiences in Big Brothers/Big Sisters and discuss how this scholarship will assist you in accomplishing your personal and educational goals. Make sure to complete a FAFSA application.

Bettye and Ralph Bailey Scholarship

Background: Established by Bettye and Ralph Bailey, this scholarship provides financial aid to CGS students.
Award: The number and value of awards may vary annually.
Who is eligible: Award decisions are based on a combination of an individual’s financial need and merit. Priority is given to part-time, nontraditional adult students enrolled in CGS.
How to apply: Students are evaluated by admissions and CGS staff for this scholarships.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Background: The University provides funds to support the recruitment and retention of historically underrepresented student populations.
Award: CGS provides book scholarships and summer tuition scholarships. Awards may vary according to the number of credits taken.
Who is eligible: Historically underrepresented students who are CGS students, have a FAFSA and FAAS on file with OAFA, are pursuing a CGS major, and have a GPA of 2.0 or better.
How to apply: Students are invited to apply for this scholarship in the spring term. Those invited must complete an application stating how they will use the funds and outline the courses they plan to take.

Steele Gow Scholarship

Background: The CGS Student Government makes the Steele Gow Scholarship available to active CGS students each year.
Award: $800 scholarship
Who is eligible: Active CGS students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and have completed at least 30 credits in CGS. Financial need and involvement in CGS student activities are considered when choosing the recipient. Finalists will have an interview with the selection committee and the recipient will be announced at the CGS Excellence Reception.
How to apply: Students are invited to apply for this scholarship in the spring term. The application deadline for the 2010 spring term is April 2. Click here to download the application. Applications should be returned via e-mail or regular mail to:

Cristina Ruggiero, PhD
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
College of General Studies
4th Floor Cathedral of Learning
4200 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
crr36@pitt.edu