The Pittsburgh Promise is a local last-dollar program for students connected to Pittsburgh Public Schools and certain charter schools. The organization has announced a planning detail families should not miss: the class graduating in 2028 will be the final class receiving Promise scholarships. Under the standard pathway, students must have lived in the city continuously since ninth grade, remained enrolled at an eligible school, and graduated with at least a 2.50 unweighted cumulative GPA and 90% attendance.
The award can reach $5,000 per year and $20,000 total for postsecondary study, subject to the balance remaining after Pell, PHEAA, FSEOG, and other scholarships. The program does not pay cash directly to the student; the institution bills the scholarship, which can reduce eligible expenses such as tuition, fees, housing, meals, and books. It cannot be used at an out-of-state school, and the final amount may be below the maximum if other aid covers the bill.
Renewal requires a 2.0 GPA, full-time enrollment as defined by the college, satisfactory progress, and a new FAFSA each year. Students graduating with a 2.0–2.49 high-school GPA may ask about Promise Extension, a one-year path restricted to specified institutions or programs and credit milestones. Appeals are submitted through the portal and, according to the site, typically take one to two weeks; speak early with a counselor if a disability, excused absence, or family change affects school records.
Before accepting aid, verify in writing who may apply, what costs it covers, whether it renews, and how it interacts with FAFSA and other scholarships. Confirm dates in the official portal and ask the college for your remaining net cost.
Read the program profile and FAFSA guide; ask for an individual review before committing.
Eligibility: The Pittsburgh Promise — The Pittsburgh Promise.
About the scholarship and covered expenses — The Pittsburgh Promise.
Scholarship Guide 2026 — The Pittsburgh Promise.
Information checked against official pages on October 13, 2026. Dates and award availability refer to the stated cycle and may change; confirm requirements in the current application. Promise awards are last-dollar funds and may not cover housing, food, transport, or other costs; loans must be repaid.
Verify the current cycle, remaining net cost, and any renewal or repayment obligations before accepting.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
The Pittsburgh Promise
The Pittsburgh Promise is a local last-dollar program for students connected to Pittsburgh Public Schools and certain charter schools. The organization has announced a planning detail families should not miss: the class graduating in 2028 will be the final class receiving Promise scholarships. Under the standard pathway, students must have lived in the city continuously since ninth grade, remained enrolled at an eligible school, and graduated with at least a 2.50 unweighted c
Local scholarship and college-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of The Pittsburgh Promise ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of The Pittsburgh Promise ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.