The University of Pittsburgh announced a plan Friday to match Pell Grants for all eligible undergraduate students beginning in the fall.
The Pitt Success Pell Match Program will match the federal funds dollar for dollar, up to the cost of attendance for eligible students across all five of Pitt’s campuses in Oakland, Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown and Titusville.
“We want any prospective student with the desire and the qualifications to be able to attend the University of Pittsburgh and succeed,” Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said. “This program is one means to an end.”
Pell Grants are awarded mainly to undergraduate students who are in financial need. Unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid. Pitt says it enrolls about 5,000 students who receive Pell Grants, and that the average grant awarded is $4,500.
The university says the Pitt Success Pell Match Program is part of a broader, long-range goal of making the cost of attending Pitt more affordable for students and families.
“Since my appointment, I have reflected on ensuring access to, and affordability of, a great Pitt education,” said Pitt’s Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ann Cudd. “Today, with the launch of the Pitt Success Pell Match Program, I am very excited that we are taking another important step in our efforts to support inclusive excellence.”
The initial cost to the university will be an estimated $25 million, according to Pitt spokesman Joe Miksch.
