The Pittsburgh Promise is a city-focused scholarship for eligible Pittsburgh Public Schools graduates and authorized charter-school students. It may provide up to $5,000 per year, with a $20,000 maximum, after other aid is considered; it is not unconditional cash. The organization confirms that the class of 2028 is the final planned class. The Pittsburgh Promise profile explains award amounts, the portal, and renewal rules for students already in high school.
For standard eligibility, students must have lived continuously in Pittsburgh since ninth grade and attended a PPS or PPS-authorized charter school continuously since ninth grade. They must graduate from a district high school with at least a 2.50 cumulative unweighted GPA and 90% attendance. Students from Wilkinsburg may also qualify under specific rules. A GPA of 2.0 to 2.49 may allow one year of funding through the Promise Extension Program at named schools; review that list before relying on the exception.
The organization sends seniors portal instructions at the start of their final year. The Promise Student Portal is where students check eligibility, sign the FERPA release, update contact details, and add colleges. Students must file the FAFSA and Pennsylvania State Grant form from PHEAA each year; the application page highlights May 1. If a requirement was missed, the portal allows an appeal explaining the circumstances and a plan to improve, which is reviewed individually.
The award may be used at colleges, universities, career-training, or trade schools in Pennsylvania. The FAQ lists tuition, fees, housing, food, and books as eligible expenses. The Promise deducts Pell, Pennsylvania grants, FSEOG, and institutional aid first; loans and work-study are excluded from the calculation. Payment depends on the school invoice, annual cap, and continued eligibility. At college, the published policy requires academic progress and at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
If your student will graduate in 2028, confirm residency and school enrollment now, ask a counselor to verify the transcript, and mark FAFSA and PHEAA dates. The organization says funds may be used within five years of graduation, but cycle-specific rules also apply. Ask the college financial-aid office how Promise funds will post and what balance remains. For help, use info@pittsburghpromise.org or call 412-281-7605; do not assume the scholarship will remain available to classes after 2028.
Pittsburgh Promise eligibility: class, residency, GPA and attendance — The Pittsburgh Promise.
Apply: portal and yearly FAFSA/PHEAA — The Pittsburgh Promise.
Scholarship overview: award and eligible expenses — The Pittsburgh Promise.
2026 Scholarship Guide — The Pittsburgh Promise.
Informational guide checked against official pages on October 12, 2026. Cohorts, award amounts, and rules can vary by college; check your portal and financial-aid office before enrolling.
The award can reach $20,000, but only students graduating through 2028 may qualify and residency, grades, and attendance rules apply.
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The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship
1901 Centre Avenue, Suite 204, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Up to $5,000 per year and $20,000 maximum for eligible costs after other aid; the class of 2028 is the final planned cohort. Students must have lived in Pittsburgh continuously since ninth grade, attended PPS or a PPS charter since ninth grade, and graduate with a 2.5 unweighted GPA and 90% attendance; a limited Extension exception exists.
Community last-dollar scholarship for eligible Pittsburgh Public Schools and charter graduates
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship ↗
Primary source
The Pittsburgh Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.