By SUSAN JONES
Pitt is adding another weapon to its arsenal of financial support for undergraduate students.
On Oct. 24, Chancellor Joan Gabel announced the Finish Line Grant program, which will be aimed at undergraduate students within one or two semesters of finishing their degrees who find themselves unable to pay their University bill. This one-time, nonrenewable grant is designed to provide financial support — with a specific focus on lower-income students across all campuses — to ensure students successfully “cross the graduation finish line.”
Gabel’s message said the Finish Line program, which will start in fall 2024, would utilize resources already intended for student support. A University spokesperson said funds for this initiative — a pool of about $3 million — will be built into the University’s budget for fiscal year 2025.
To be eligible, students need to have an adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less, are in good academic standing, and have a FAFSA on file with the University. Those eligible be contacted directly by a member of the financial aid team to next steps.
The Finish Line Grants join the the Pitt Success Pell Program started in 2019, in which Pitt will match any Pell Grant awarded up to the federal maximum, which stands at $7,395 for 2023-24. Currently, Pitt enrolls more than 5,700 students who benefit from the Pitt Success Pell Program, with the average student receiving $5,500.
These programs are just two among several Pitt offers to help make college more affordable. Pitt and Penn State have frequently been ranked in the top 10 of most expensive public colleges in the nation, by the U.S. Department of Education. Pitt’s average undergraduate tuition is $21,776 annually for in-state students and $44,412 for out of state.
Earlier this year, Gabel signed Pitt onto the College Cost Transparency Initiative, which aims to provide prospective students and their families with easy to understand information and clarity around financial aid.
Other affordability efforts in recent years include the Kessler Scholars Program, Panthers Forward, Pittsburgh Public Scholars, the Pittsburgh Admissions Collaboration, Pitt Fund$Me, the Coalition for College and Raise Me. Find out more information at affordability.pitt.edu.
Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042.
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