The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work recognizes that financing undergraduate or graduate education is extremely important, especially because the cost of higher education continues to increase each year. The University’s Financial Aid Office administers the process of awarding scholarships and loans to undergraduate students and loans to the school’s graduate students. The School of Social Work awards scholarships to its master’s level students and scholarships and assistantships to its PhD students.
Financial aid is not awarded to any student until admission to the University or School has been granted. Early application for financial aid is strongly encouraged.
BASW Program
For complete instructions on applying for financial aid, please visit the University’s Financial Aid website. Or, download the School of Social Work Financial Aid Resources for BASW Student (PDF).
Follow these instructions to view/accept/decline awards.
MSW Program
Each year the School awards scholarships to incoming students. Only full-time, first time applicants who possess a minimum 4-year cumulative grade point average of at least 3.4 are considered for scholarship awards. Please note that all full-time MSW applicants who have a minimum grade point average of 3.4 and complete the MSW application by our by the deadline will receive a priority review for both admission and a scholarship award. The School’s regular admissions deadline is June 15th. These award decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students are encourage to complete their application well in advance of the deadline. Students who receive scholarship awards in their first/foundation year will automatically receive the same scholarship award during their second/specialization year provided that they remain enrolled as a full-time student in good academic standing.
2024-2025 academic year rates (2024-2025) can be found at www.tuition.pitt.edu
Students applying for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Pitt's federal school code is 008815. The FAFSA form is not available until January for those applying for the next academic year. To view/accept/decline awards, follow these instructions.
For complete instructions on applying for financial aid, please visit the University’s Financial Aid website.
PhD Program
Each year, the school enrolls 6 to 8 students in its PhD program. Each of these students receives fully funded tuition support for four years. Additionally, all first-, second-, and third-year students will receive a graduate student appointment as a faculty assistant or teaching fellow. The School of Social Work is also committed to providing financial support over the summer to all students within the first four years of the program. Candidates should contact SSWPhDAdmissions@pitt.edu to discuss these opportunities. Students applying for loan-based aid must follow the same guideline instructions provided in the MSW section of this page.
Scholarships & Fellowships
Realizing the increasing cost associated with graduate school education the School of Social Work has put together a listing of internal and external scholarship and financial aid opportunities for our students.