Funding

In the iSchool, graduate students may be eligible for scholarships, financial aid or school-based financial support to underwrite some or all of the costs of your program of study. Financial support that comes from the LIS program is awarded only in the fall term and is awarded only for that academic year.

First, you should explore federal funding options as outlined on the University of Pittsburgh's Web page dealing with financial aid for graduate students. Please note that you will apply for any appropriate funding through the University's Office of Admission and Financial Aid.

Then, the Library and Information Science Program may have financial support available, on a competitive basis, for full-time on-campus students who meet the academic requirements for admission. The fall term is the only term in which these LIS-specific scholarships begin. Some awards that are made in the fall term may be extended past the fall term based on academic performance, but all awards begin only in the fall term.

Aid is awarded on the basis of merit, need and availability of funds. The Committee considers specific criteria in making these awards:

• academic attainment;

• experience and skills matched to program and/or faculty needs;

• experience and skills matched to stated career objectives;

• volunteer and community services and activities.

Applications for financial support will only be considered by the Committee when the student has been accepted into the LIS program.

Categories of Funding for MLIS students

• Through The Partners Program, MLIS students are offered valuable experience at some of Pittsburgh's finest libraries, information centers, and businesses. These host sites provide real-world experience, while the School of Information Sciences provides a limited number of partial tuition scholarships. Fall term start only.

• Diversity Librarian Fellowship and Residency Program 2015-2017

• The ARL/Music Library Association Diversity and Inclusion Initiative Scholarship Program This scholarship program, funded by a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ARL member libraries, offers candidates from underrepresented groups an opportunity to pursue the MLIS degree while gaining valuable, “hands-on” experience in a large academic music library environment. The goal is to increase the diversity of academic music librarianship by providing support for the graduate education and the practical experience critical for successful entrance into the profession. The iSchool and the University Library System are proud to be partners in this endeavor. For more information about the program and for a link to the application form, please visit http://www.arl.org/diversity/arl-mla-dii/.

• Each year, the School receives "Commonwealth Funds," which are earmarked to support graduate students from underrepresented groupswho are U.S. citizens or U.S. immigrants/permanent residents. This program offers both tuition and stipend support, as part of this 10-15 hour/week assistantship. Commonwealth-supported students will assist with student recruiting, recruiting and community-building events, and the School’s diversity program. If interested, please select "Commonwealth Funds" when completing the financial assistance portion of your application for admission."

• Special Awards, Scholarships and Fellowships

Categories of Funding for PhD students

• Teaching Fellow (TF) / Teaching Assistant (TA)

  TFs receive full tuition remission plus a stipend for teaching one course under the direct supervision of a faculty member.

Eligibility for Funding

Students eligible for financial support are those accepted for admission or currently enrolled in the degree program, and those who have not already received three terms of funding. It is University policy that only full-time students are eligible for funding. Full-time enrollment is registration for a minimum of 9 credits but no more than 15 credits in the Fall and Spring Terms and a minimum of 3 credits in the Summer Term.

Priority is given to U.S. citizens in evaluating financial support applications.

All international students are expected to come fully funded for their entire degree program and any advanced study they may undertake in a certificate program or in a second degree program. International students may, in rare cases, be granted financial aid.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to providing educational opportunities for qualified diversity students through financial assistance. In accordance with this policy, students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply for financial support. In some cases, aid is specifically designated for the support of these students.

Application Process for Financial Support

To be considered for any funding opportunity, you must complete the pertinent section in your application for admission on Apply Yourself.

The Committee will consider applications for financial support only after the student has been accepted into the LIS program.

All applications for financial support are due on January 15.

Please note that the majority of funding is awarded for the Fall Term. Funding for the Spring and Summer Terms is generally awarded to continuing students.

If you already submitted your iSchool application for admission or are a deferred or current student, you may update your financial support application or submit a new one using this form.

All applicants are informed of funding decisions by letter.

Duration of Appointments

The Committee initially approves full or partial aid for one term with the possibility of renewal for up to (a maximum of) three terms.

Renewal after the initial award is dependent upon re-evaluation for:

• satisfactory progress toward degree or certificate;

• maintenance of a GPA of at least a 3.0 for MLIS and of at least a 3.5 for PhD; and

• satisfactory performance of assigned duties as Graduate Student Assistants and Graduate Student Researchers (see the University's Policy Statement for Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, and Graduate Student Assistants and the Policy Statement for Graduate Student Researchers).

Reinstatement

Students re-entering the program after an absence of a term or more, must reapply for aid. Such funding is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed in these cases.

Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.