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 $2,000* 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.
Program Eligibility
Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply to the University of Pittsburgh for freshman admission by December 1.
Your eligibility is determined following receipt of your 3rd quarter grades. Your high school will confirm your status, as either valedictorian or salutatorian, with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
*The $2,000 minimum scholarship award includes any additional freshman academic merit scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions of Financial Aid.
Eligible Schools
- Environmental Charter School
- Pittsburgh Allderdice
- Pittsburgh Brashear
- Pittsburgh CAPA
- Pittsburgh Carrick
- City High Charter High School
- Passport Academy Charter School
- Pittsburgh Milliones (UPrep)
- Pittsburgh Obama
- Pittsburgh Perry
- Pittsburgh Sci-Tech Academy
- Pittsburgh Westinghouse
- The Academy Charter High School
- Urban Pathways Charter High School
- Pittsburgh Online Academy
Pittsburgh Public Scholars FAQ
- If I take a gap year, am I still eligible for the PPS scholars program?
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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?
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Currently, transfer students are not eligible for the program.
- Does this mean I can go to the University of Pittsburgh for free?
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You will either receive a minimum of $2,000 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 $2,000 PPS scholarship?
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No, if you were awarded a University scholarship, it will replace the $2,000 PPS scholarship.