Pennsylvania residents whose households make $75,000 or less will be eligible to attend a University of Pittsburgh branch campus tuition-free.
Pitt on Thursday announced its Regional Campus Tuition Pledge that will begin this fall. Students whose household adjusted gross income is $75,000 or less would pay nothing in tuition at Pitt’s Greensburg, Bradford and Johnstown campuses, as well as its nursing program in Titusville.
University officials say federal, state and institutional aid is applied first, and Pitt covers whatever tuition balance remains. No separate application is required: Students file the FAFSA each year and the benefit is applied to their account automatically if they apply.
“We’re not projecting specific enrollment or financial figures at this time,” said Jared Stonesifer, Pitt spokesman. “Our focus is on ensuring every eligible Pennsylvania resident knows that a Pitt education at one of our regional campuses is now tuition-free.”
If a student at a regional campus transfers to main campus in Oakland, they would pay full tuition when enrolled there, Stonesifer said.
In-state, full-year tuition for most programs at Greensburg, Bradford and Johnstown is $13,796, and Titusville’s nursing program cost $16,992. The cheapest in-state, full-year tuition at the Oakland campus is $20,966 and for the arts and sciences, social work, dental and public health programs.
Oliver Hall, a junior criminal justice major at Pitt-Greensburg, said he was pleased with the university’s announcement.
“I have a lot of friends who will benefit from it,” said Hall, who is from Jersey Shore in Lycoming County.
Psychology major Javon Brown, a Pitt-Greensburg senior from Turtle Creek, agreed. Brown will graduate and not benefit from the tuition break, but said most of his tuition was covered by scholarships and grants.
“I think it is beneficial. I’m very excited. I have a lot of friends who worry about paying tuition. They’re not going to have to worry about that,” said Brown, who graduated from Woodland Hills High School.
Nico Maxino, a freshman from Hempfield who is studying creative writing, said he thought it was a good idea on the university’s part, even though he was not expecting to benefit from the special deal on tuition.
The tuition pledge does not cover housing, meals, textbooks or other fees.
“The Pitt Regional Campus Tuition Pledge reflects our deep commitment to the students attending our regional campuses,” said University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan Gabel. “Students in Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, Titusville and across Pennsylvania deserve affordable access to a University of Pittsburgh education, and this program is our direct investment in making that a reality while strengthening the communities our regional campuses serve.”
It’s part of a growing trend among colleges offering free tuition to households with incomes under a certain amount. Locally, Carnegie Mellon University in 2024 announced free tuition for students of families making $75,000 or less.
Other schools include Harvard (under $200,000), Princeton (under $160,000), Stanford (under $150,000) and the University of California system (under $100,000, for state residents).
”A university education can have a life-changing impact,” said Pitt Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Joseph J. McCarthy. “Expanding access to an affordable, high-quality education remains a central strategic priority for the university. The Pitt Regional Campus Tuition Pledge reflects our sustained commitment to opening doors of opportunity and supporting student success across our communities.”
Staff writer Joe Napsha contributed to this story.