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Financial Assistance

Financial assistance for graduate students is provided in the form of teaching and research appointments, fellowships, traineeships, tuition scholarships, and loans. Application for financial aid should be made on the regular application for admission to graduate study form except in special cases as noted below. All applications for financial assistance are reviewed at the departmental level and awards made to the extent of available funds. Admission to graduate study does not carry any implications concerning the award of financial aid. Only students with full graduate status are eligible for teaching assistantships and fellowships.
The awards listed in this section reflect 1995-96 dollar amounts unless otherwise noted and may be changed in subsequent years.
Information concerning nationally competitive grants and fellowships can be obtained from the FAS Office of Graduate Studies' Fellowship Room in 910 Cathedral of Learning.

  • Teaching and Research Appointments
    Each year about 680 graduate students receive teaching appointments in departments offering graduate degrees in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences to assist in undergraduate instruction in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of General Studies. In addition to financial support, these appointments provide teaching experience and further professional development.

    In recognition of academic merit, the University offers Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, Graduate Student Assistants, and Graduate Student Researchers full or proportional tuition scholarships, and students are required to register for the number of credits proportional to appointment. If appointed in the summer term, students should register for a minimum of three credits (or Full-time Dissertation Study if eligible), unless additional registration is needed for academic purposes.

    The University provides individual medical insurance coverage for TAs/TFs/GSAs and GSRs. Such students can also purchase a two-person membership (for partner and/or dependent child) by paying the difference between the premium costs for the Individual Option and the Two-Person Option.

    The University's policy concerning teaching assistants and teaching fellows, dealing with appointments, reappointments, terminations, benefits, and responsibilities, is contained in the University TA/TF/GSA Policy Statement, sent to all new teaching assistants. Students should refer to this Policy Statement for information on how and when FICA (Social Security) tax will be withheld from the salaries of TA/TF/GSAs. The University's policy concerning graduate student researchers is contained in the University GSR Policy Statement, sent to all new GSRs. Copies of both publications are available in the FAS Office of Graduate Studies.

    Teaching Assistants (TA). Qualified (full graduate status) first-year graduate students and students who have not completed the master's degree or qualified for an appointment as a teaching fellow may be appointed as teaching assistants. The duties of a TA include teaching recitation sections, monitoring quizzes, assisting in laboratory instruction, and participating in related activities involving undergraduate programs. For these services, requiring approximately 20 hours per week, a TA receives a salary of $9,547 for two terms. Two-term TAs who want to receive their salary spread out across three terms should contact their department immediately.
    Teaching Fellows (TF). Graduate students who have completed the master's degree or two terms of academic full residence (eight course units or the equivalent of work acceptable for the master's degree) and who have demonstrated that they are qualified to undertake more responsible part-time teaching duties than are regularly assigned to teaching assistants may be appointed as teaching fellows. For teaching services, requiring about 20 hours per week, a TF receives a salary of $10,036 for two terms. Two-term TFs who want to receive their salary spread out across three terms should contact their department immediately.

    Graduate Student Assistants (GSA). A few graduate student assistantships are available in FAS. A GSA usually assists a faculty member in library research, editorial duties, or similar academic tasks. For such services, requiring about 20 hours per week, a GSA receives $7,862 for two terms.
    Graduate Student Researchers (GSR). Research grants funded by government and private agencies provide about 200 full- and part-time research assistantships for graduate students. Most, but not all, of these assistantships are in projects that are directly related to the thesis or dissertation research of the student; all provide the student with valuable research training and experience.

    The GSRs work under the direct supervision of and are appointed by the principal investigator (or associate) of the funded research project. Their stipends are determined by the terms of the grant within guidelines set by the FAS Dean of Graduate Studies. For 1995-96, the stipends range from $4,000 to $5,200 per term.


  • Fellowships and Traineeships
    Andrew Mellon Fellowships. About 46 Andrew Mellon Fellowships are awarded each year to graduate students who are enrolled in programs leading to the PhD degree or who are applying for admission to such programs.

    This award provides a stipend of $12,500 (1996-97) and a full tuition scholarship for two terms. Awardees may elect to receive the stipend over a period of either two or three terms. They may elect to participate in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical Insurance Plan available to TA/TF/GSAs and GSRs, but must pay the premium costs themselves through payroll deduction.

    Application forms are available in September in the Office of Graduate Studies, and along with supporting documents, they should be returned by February 1 according to the directions on the application form. Awards are announced by March 15.

    Awards are made on an annual basis, and they may be renewed one time except by first-year students who are current Mellon Fellows. An awardee who wishes a renewal must file a new application form with supporting material, including progress made while holding a Mellon Fellowship. Transcripts from other institutions submitted previously need not be resubmitted. Awardees will be evaluated on overall merit and on progress made toward the PhD during their fellowship year.

    Nancy Anderson Memorial Fellowship in English Literature. This fellowship is awarded annually by the Department of English to an outstanding new or continuing graduate student. The award includes a stipend and a partial tuition scholarship.

    Anna Margaret and Mary Sloan Fellowships in Philosophy or Psychology. A fellowship of approximately $5,900 is available annually under the terms of the Anna Margaret and Mary Sloan Fellowship Fund to a woman who is engaged in full-time study in philosophy or psychology. A full-tuition scholarship for two terms accompanies this award. Applications and supporting credentials must be received in the FAS Office of Graduate Studies by March 15, and the award will be announced on April 15.

    Carolyn Chambers Memorial Fellowship. This fellowship is awarded annually to an advanced graduate student pursuing the PhD degree in English or history who shows potential for an outstanding career in teaching and scholarship. The award is a four-month fellowship, to be held either in the fall or spring term, and consists of a stipend of approximately $4,000 and a full-tuition scholarship for one term.

    Chancellor's Fellowship in Chinese Studies. A fellowship, renewable up to three years, is awarded annually to an outstanding PhD candidate specializing in Chinese studies. The award includes both tuition scholarship and stipend. Students applying for or admitted to PhD candidacy in any department are eligible for this award. Application forms are available from the Asian Studies Program, 4E38 Forbes Quadrangle. The deadline for applications is January 15.

    Daniel Fellowships. Each year the Zaccheus Daniel Foundation awards several fellowships to qualified students enrolled in a PhD program in astronomy. In order to be a recipient of the fellowship, the candidate must be a full-time student and must be recommended by the department. Interested students should address their application for a Daniel Fellowship to the Zaccheus Daniel Foundation, c/o the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

    Equal Opportunity Professional Education Program. This program provides financial assistance for graduates of Cheyney and Lincoln Universities and African American graduates of other state-supported institutions who are attending professional and graduate schools at the University of Pittsburgh. The program's tuition scholarships support the Commonwealth's commitment to achieve the goals of equal opportunity for all Pennsylvanians. Information can be obtained in the Office of Affirmative Action, 901 William Pitt Union.
    Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships (FLAS). Each year the U.S. Department of Education awards to the University a limited number of FLAS Fellowships for students working in the language and area studies programs under the University Center for International Studies or who are enrolled in a graduate department and whose work is focused on the world areas of Asia, Latin America, or Russia and East Europe. Descriptions of the programs and information about the fellowships can be obtained by writing to the respective area program director, University Center for International Studies, Suite 4G Forbes Quadrangle.

    Graduate Tuition Scholarships. Each term a few graduate tuition scholarships are awarded to advanced graduate students by the Dean of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of individual departments. Scholarships are granted on the basis of the applicant's scholastic ability and need. Application forms are available in the FAS Office of Graduate Studies, 910 Cathedral of Learning.
    Japan Iron and Steel Federation Fellowship in Japanese Studies. The Japan Council of the Asian Studies Program awards a fellowship of $10,000 plus tuition annually to an outstanding graduate student of Japanese studies who enrolls in a social science or humanities department. Application forms are available from the Asian Studies Program, 4E38 Forbes Quadrangle. Applications and supporting credentials must be received by February 1.

    Lillian B. Lawler Scholarships/Fellowships: A gift from the Lillian B. Lawler estate makes it possible to offer two predoctoral fellowships/scholarships of $12,500 (1996-97) to graduate students in the foreign language, English, or history departments. Priority is given to students in need of financial assistance. The amount of the award will be indicated on the application. Application forms can be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies, 910 Cathedral of Learning, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. The deadline is February 1.

    Robert S. Marshall Memorial Fellowship in Classics. Fellowships of $12,000 are occasionally awarded by the Classics Department from the Robert S. Marshall Memorial Fund. Graduate tuition scholarships for two terms accompany these awards. Applications and supporting credentials must be received by the chairperson, Department of Classics, by February 1. The awards are announced by April 1.

    Ivy McManus Memorial Scholarship in Biological Sciences. A scholarship of $2,000 is awarded annually to an outstanding woman who has completed her first year of graduate study. Contact the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, for more information or an application.
    Mellon Fellowships in Humanistic Studies. The University of Pittsburgh participates in this fellowship program administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. Undergraduate students in the humanities may apply directly to that foundation for graduate fellowships. Please call 1-800-899-9963 for more information or application materials.

    National Science Foundation Fellowships. The University of Pittsburgh participates in the programs of the National Science Foundation. Students who have completed fewer than 20 graduate semester hours are eligible to apply directly to the National Science Foundation for graduate fellowships. Interested students should call the National Science Foundation at (703) 306-1694 or send e-mail to grfp@nsf.gov for more information or application materials.
    Provost's Development Fund. This program is intended to provide financial support and development opportunities for women, minorities, and disadvantaged students pursuing the doctorate or a professional degree that would qualify them for an academic or administrative appointment. Financial assistance will be made available on the basis of need and merit. Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is enrolled in or admitted to a graduate program is eligible. Ideally, the candidate should be in the advanced stages of the PhD program so that support for one year would complete the program. Applications are available in the Office of the Provost, 801 Cathedral of Learning, and in the FAS Office of Graduate Studies, 910 Cathedral of Learning.

    K. Leroy Irvis Fellowships. A limited number of awards are given out each year to outstanding African American graduate students for their first year of graduate study. The position provides these students with a one-to-one faculty/student mentoring relationship and no teaching responsibilities the first year. Priority will be given to those students enrolled in disciplines where African Americans are most underrepresented. Students' degree objective must be the PhD. Multi-year funding is contingent on continued academic success.

    To apply, students should send a completed application package for admission to the graduate department, a cover letter requesting consideration for the K. Leroy Irvis Fellowship, and a curriculum vitae or resume. For more information, contact the graduate department of interest or the FAS Office of Graduate Studies, 910 Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

    FAS/Provost Development Fellowships. This program provides incoming highly qualified minority students with a stipend equivalent to a teaching assistantship plus a tuition scholarship for the first academic year, during which time the student will engage in a collaborative research project with a faculty mentor. The award is intended to integrate minority students into the research dimension of the professoriate through the utilization of faculty mentors. This award is contingent on the guarantee that the student's graduate department will provide full funding for the second and third year, should the student meet the academic standards established by the department. In order to develop teaching skills, it is expected that the department will provide the student with supervised teaching opportunities during the course of graduate study. Applications for funding are to be submitted by the department chair to the Graduate Dean, 910 Cathedral of Learning.

    Provost's Humanities Fellowships. Two fellowships of $12,500 (1996-97) each are awarded annually to graduate students of high academic merit pursuing work in the humanities. This award provides a full tuition scholarship for two terms. Awardees may elect to receive the stipend over a period of either two or three terms. Preference is given to entering first-year students. Application forms are available in September in the FAS Office of Graduate Studies. Deadline for application is February 1.

    United States-Japan Industry and Technology Management Training Program. The Asian Studies Program administers a new management training program in Japanese language and culture for scientists and engineers. Funded by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, it will award fellowship support for the program to students in the sciences and engineering to enable them to do intensive or regular study of the Japanese language and culture, followed by internship support for them to work in Japan for a year. Previous Japanese language training is not a prerequisite. For more information, please contact the program's Project Director either by mail or FAX. Asian Studies Program, University Center for International Studies, 4E05 Forbes Quadrangle, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. FAX (412) 648-2199.

    University of Bonn Exchange Fellowships. The University Center for International Studies administers a yearly exchange program with the University of Bonn in Germany. Graduating seniors and graduate students from any department at the University of Pittsburgh are eligible to apply. The grant pays living expenses only, but candidates are eligible to apply for the Fulbright Travel Grant for transportation costs. For application and further information regarding deadlines contact Study Abroad, 4G Forbes Quadrangle.


  • Awards

    Jennie and Max Bassell Scholarship Award. The Department of Psychology confers the Bassell Award, donated by their son, Dr. Jack S. Bassell. This award is given annually to a graduate student for outstanding performance in clinical psychology.

    O. H. Blackwood Memorial Award. The Department of Physics has established the O. H. Blackwood Memorial Award for outstanding teaching by its graduate student teachers. The award includes a cash prize of $100 and the payment of dues for the initial year of membership in the American Association of Physics Teachers.

    Stanton C. Crawford Memorial Award. The Department of Biological Sciences confers this award of $150 to a graduate teaching assistant selected by the faculty of the department for his or her excellence in teaching.

    Distinguished Teaching Award in English. The Department of English annually awards a certificate and $100 to one or more graduate students who have shown sustained excellence as teachers in a variety of courses and who have made significant pedagogical contributions to departmental programs.

    Friends of the Frick Fine Arts Distinguished Teaching Award. The Department of History of Art and Architecture presents an annual award of $250 to a graduate student who has shown sustained excellence as a teacher.

    M. M. Culver-E. Teplitz Memorial Award. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics awards annually $100 to a graduate student who has demonstrated superior ability in teaching and, in addition, has shown great promise for a career in mathematics.
    M. J. Moskowitz Graduate Teaching Award. The Department of Psychology presents an annual award of at least $200 to a teaching assistant or teaching fellow who has demonstrated superior ability as a teacher.

    Tim Post Memorial Award. In memory of Tim Post, who died of leukemia one year after receiving his PhD, the Department of Psychology confers an annual award of approximately $500 to a graduate student in Learning, Developmental, or Cognitive Psychology who has completed a highly significant research project. The award is to be used for the furtherance of the student's professional development.

    Reuben Slesinger Prize in Economics. This is awarded annually by the Department of Economics to the most promising incoming graduate student. The prize is $650 and the title Slesinger Fellow. It is anticipated that this will be in addition to an appointment as teaching assistant.

    Orrin E. and Margaret M. Taulbee Graduate Award for Excellence in Computer Science. An annual award of at least $1,000 is made to a full-time doctoral student with exceptional promise for an academic/research career.

    David Wilkins Travel Award. A special fellowship provides a travel award of $1,000 for a History of Art and Architecture student working on her or his dissertation. This award will be given annually until 1998-99.


  • Assistance Available Through the University Office of
    Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid

    Owens Fellowships. A bequest of Samuel T. Owens, Jr. makes fellowships available at the University of Pittsburgh for needy students who show promise of high academic achievement. These fellowships carry an annual stipend of $2,000. The fellowships may be used in payment of tuition, books, and living expenses during the academic year for which the award is granted. Owens Fellowships are not available for a single term. Application forms are available in the University Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, Bruce Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, (412) 624-7488. The deadline for application is usually in April.

    Stafford Loan. Stafford Loans are long-term, low interest rate loan programs available to degree-status students enrolled on at least a half-time basis. While there is no deadline for applying, loans can take 60-90 days to get approved. It is recommended that students start the process no later than May 15 for fall term money.

    Information and forms are available through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, Second Floor, Bruce Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, (412) 624-7488.



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