Scholarships & Grants

Merit Scholarship: $3,000-$18,000 Annually

Based on academic excellence, students may qualify for a Chatham Merit Scholarship. The scholarship amount will be determined once the student is admitted to the University. You do not need to submit a separate application for this scholarship.

Amount: $3,000-$18,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

Presidential Scholarship: Full Tuition Annually

The Presidential Scholarship is an annually renewable scholarship that covers tuition for each academic year, for a total of four years (or 120 credits) of study at Chatham University.

Amount: Tuition annually
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and full-time enrollment. 
Application deadline: February

Apply for Presidential Scholarship

Rachel Carson Scholarship: Full Tuition Annually

The Rachel Carson Scholarship is an annually renewable scholarship that covers tuition for each academic year, for a total of four years (or 120 credits) of study at Chatham University.

Amount: Tuition annually
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and full-time enrollment. 
Application deadline: February 1

Apply for Rachel Carson Scholarship

Heffer Family Scholarship for Women: $10,000 Annually

The Heffer Family Scholarship for Women is a $10,000 annually renewable scholarship awarded to female students who have a proven record of academic achievement, leadership capacity, as well as community and co-curricular involvement. Up to two (2) new scholarships are awarded each year.

To be eligible for a Heffer Family Scholarship, applicants will:

• Be female
• Have a minimum 3.5 high school or college cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Be accepted to Chatham University
• Complete a Heffer Family Scholarship Application coversheet including extracurricular achievements
• Complete a 350-500 word essay responding to a provided prompt
• Be a U.S. citizen or have resided in the United States for the four years preceding your application for the Heffer Scholarship

Amount: $10,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.
Application deadline: February 1

Apply for Heffer Family Scholarship

Karen Lake Scholarship

The Karen Lake Scholarship is an annually renewing scholarship open to students who have at least a 3.5 GPA. Asian, Latino, African, and Native American students, students with high academic promise, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.

Amount: $10,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment. 

 Apply for Karen Lake Scholarship

Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award: $5,000 Annually

The Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award will be given to a deserving high school junior from each high school across the United States and internationally who embodies the spirit of Rachel Carson in his or her dedication to sustainability and community development. Eligible students for this award are current high school juniors, in the U.S. and internationally, and must be nominated by a teacher, school counselor or advisor.

Amount: $5,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment
Application deadline: Due to the impact of COVID-19 and to best serve students and counselors, the deadline has been extended to July 1, 2020.

Learn More about Rachel Carson Award

Nominate a Student

Academic Scholarship Days: Up to $3,000 Annually

Open only to accepted students, Academic Scholarship Days give students the chance to be rewarded for their outstanding leadership qualities. Students should attend Chatham University's Academic Scholarship Days to qualify for the scholarship. Participation in a scholarship interview day must occur prior to the student's first term at Chatham University.

Amount: Up to $3,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

Academic Scholarship Days Info

Legacy Award: $5,000 Annually

Awarded to children, grandchildren, and siblings of Chatham alumni.

Amount: $5,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

Pittsburgh Promise Housing Scholarship: $2,000 Annually

The Pittsburgh Promise housing scholarship is good for up to four years for full-time, on-campus Promise Scholars who graduated from high school in 2018 or later.

Amount: $2,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

Minna Kaufmann Ruud Music Scholarship: Up to $3,500 Annually

For qualified vocalists who plan to major in music or incorporate music into an interdepartmental major while a student at Chatham. Participation in Chatham Choir is required. To apply for this scholarship, please submit the completed application form. Once we receive your application, you will be contacted to audition. An audition is required.

Amount: Up to $3,500
Renewable: annually with annual audition

Apply for Music Scholarship

Instrumental Music Scholarship: Up to $3,500 Annually

For qualified instrumentalists who plan to incorporate music as a minor or music into an interdepartmental major while a student at Chatham. Participation in Chatham Music Ensembles is required. To apply for this scholarship, please submit the completed application form. Once your scholarship application is received, you will be contacted to schedule an audition. An audition is required.

Amount: Up to $3,500
Renewable: annually with annual audition

Apply for Instrumental Music Scholarship

Family Tuition Grant: $2,000 Annually

Awarded to students who have a sibling currently attending Chatham.

Amount: $2,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

Merit Scholarship: $3,000-$18,000 Annually

Based on academic excellence, students may qualify for a Chatham Merit Scholarship. The scholarship amount will be determined once the student is admitted to the University. You do not need to submit a separate application for this scholarship.

Amount: $3,000-$18,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

Academic Scholarship Days: Up to $3,000 Annually

Open only to accepted students, Academic Scholarship Days give students the chance to be rewarded for their outstanding leadership qualities. Students should attend Chatham University's Academic Scholarship Days to qualify for the scholarship. Participation in a scholarship interview day must occur prior to the student's first term at Chatham University.

Amount: Up to $3,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

Academic Scholarship Days Info

Legacy Award: $5,000 Annually

Awarded to children, grandchildren, and siblings of Chatham alumni.

Amount: $5,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

Minna Kaufmann Ruud Music Scholarship: Up to $3,500 Annually

For qualified vocalists who plan to major in music or incorporate music into an interdepartmental major while a student at Chatham. Participation in Chatham Choir is required. To apply for this scholarship, please submit the completed application form. Once we receive your application, you will be contacted to audition. An audition is required.

Amount: Up to $3,500
Renewable: annually with annual audition

Apply for Music Scholarship

Instrumental Music Scholarship: Up to $3,500 Annually

For qualified instrumentalists who plan to incorporate music as a minor or music into an interdepartmental major while a student at Chatham. Participation in Chatham Music Ensembles is required. To apply for this scholarship, please submit the completed application form. Once your scholarship application is received, you will be contacted to schedule an audition. An audition is required.

Amount: Up to $3,500
Renewable: annually with annual audition

Apply for Instrumental Music Scholarship

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: Up to $2,000 Annually

For transfer students with a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher and membership in Phi Theta Kappa. Students must be Phi Theta Kappa members prior to the start of the term in which they are applying.

Amount: Up to $2,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment. 

Family Tuition Grant: $2,000 Annually

Awarded to students who have a sibling currently attending Chatham.

Amount: $2,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

International Student Merit Scholarship: $6,000-$18,000 Annually

Based on academic excellence, students may qualify for a Chatham Merit Scholarship. The scholarship amount will be determined once the student is admitted to the University. You do not need to submit a separate application for this scholarship.

Amount: $6,000-$18,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

Presidential Scholarship: Full Tuition Annually

The Presidential Scholarship is an annually renewable scholarship that covers tuition for each academic year, for a total of four years (or 120 credits) of study at Chatham University.

Amount: Tuition annually
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and full-time enrollment. 
Application deadline: February

Apply for Presidential Scholarship

Rachel Carson Scholarship: Full Tuition Annually

The Rachel Carson Scholarship is an annually renewable scholarship that covers tuition for each academic year, for a total of four years (or 120 credits) of study at Chatham University.

Amount: Tuition annually
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and full-time enrollment. 
Application deadline: February 1

Apply for Rachel Carson Scholarship

Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award: $5,000 Annually

The Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award will be given to a deserving high school junior from each high school across the United States and internationally who embodies the spirit of Rachel Carson in his or her dedication to sustainability and community development. Eligible students for this award are current high school juniors, in the U.S. and internationally, and must be nominated by a teacher, school counselor or advisor.

Amount: $5,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment
Application deadline:Due to the impact of COVID-19 and to best serve students and counselors, the deadline has been extended to July 1, 2020.

Learn More about Rachel Carson Award

Nominate a Student

Academic Scholarship Days: Up to $3,000 Annually

Open only to accepted students, Academic Scholarship Days give students the chance to be rewarded for their outstanding leadership qualities. Students should attend Chatham University's Academic Scholarship Days to qualify for the scholarship. Participation in a scholarship interview day must occur prior to the student's first term at Chatham University.

Amount: Up to $3,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

Learn More about Academic Scholarship Days

Legacy Award: $5,000 Annually

Awarded to children, grandchildren, and siblings of Chatham alumni.

Amount: $5,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.

Instrumental Music Scholarship: Up to $3,500 Annually

For qualified instrumentalists who plan to incorporate music as a minor or music into an interdepartmental major while a student at Chatham. Participation in Chatham Music Ensembles is required. To apply for this scholarship, please submit the completed application form. Once your scholarship application is received, you will be contacted to schedule an audition. An audition is required.

Amount: Up to $3,500
Renewable: annually with annual audition

Apply for Instrumental Music Scholarship

A provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) provides matching funds from the Department of Veterans Affairs as a supplement to the Post-9/11 GI Bill^®. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition and fees not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning. The Yellow Ribbon Program covers tuition and mandatory fees and does not include room and board or books and supplies which are provided for separately under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 

Individuals may be eligible if they:

• Served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
• Were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001;
• Are dependents eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above.

There is no minimum number of credit hours required for participation and awards will continue in subsequent years in which the student maintains satisfactory progress, conduct, and attendance.

If eligible, students should apply for Benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill with the Department of Veterans Affairs upon acceptance. Please forward your Certificate of Eligibility to the Office of the Registrar to be considered for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website for additional information.

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Chatham University directs Service members to speak with their Educational Services Office (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling. Eligible active duty Service members can receive tuition assistance (TA) funds. 

The Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a Soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. TA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning and is part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. The courses must be offered by schools that are registered in GoArmyEd, are accredited by accrediting agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and are signatories to the current Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU).

In general, eligible active duty Service members can receive TA at a rate of $250 per semester hour cap with an annual ceiling of $4,500. The Services are authorized to establish Service specific eligibility criteria to manage TA funds. For Service specific TA policies and procedures, Service members are encouraged to contact their Education Service Officer (ESO).  

For more information: 

Airforce TA: http://www.afpc.af.mil/Benefits-and-Entitlements/Military-Tuition-Assistance-Program/

Army TA: https://www.armyignited.com/app/

Army National Guard TA: https://www.nationalguard.com/education-programs/federal-tuition-assistance

Coast Guard TA: https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ETQC/Voluntary-Education/Active-Duty/

Marine Corps TA: https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/how-do-i-apply-for-tuition-assistance/

Navy TA: https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/sailors/tuition-assistance-ncpace.htm

Tuition Assistance Refund Policy:

Until a student has passed the 60% point of a payment period, only a portion of the student's tuition assistance has been earned. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60% point is considered to have earned all awarded aid for the payment period. Please note students who are enrolled in modules, or courses which do not span the entire length of a semester, would also be included in this calculation. 

Students withdrawing from classes are responsible for payment of any balance due after the required return of Tuition Assistance funds.

Earned aid is not related in any way to institutional charges. In addition, the University's institutional refund policy and Return of Tuition Assistance refund policy are independent of one another. A student who withdraws from a course or courses may be required to return unearned TA funds and still owe the university for the course or courses. For more information on Chatham University's withdrawal and institutional charges' policies, please consult the catalog.

Students who stop attending all classes without officially withdrawing will be subject to a return of TA funds at the end of the semester based on the withdrawal date/last documented date of attendance as determined by Chatham University.

1. Apply for admission to Chatham University. Check your eligibility status and the amount of funding in which you qualify with your service prior to enrolling.
2. Reach out to your service component and provide your degree requirements.
3. Meet with your academic advisor and register for courses.
4. Let the Office of Financial Aid know you will be paying for your courses with TA funds by contacting them at 412-365-2781 or via e-mail at financialaid@chatham.edu.
5. If your branch does not automatically forward your TA authorization, send your approved forms to us at financialaid@chatham.edu.
6. Once funding has been received it will be applied directly to your student account.

Chatham's Prior Learning Assessment program grants degree-seeking students the ability to be awarded academic credit for prior learning knowledge gained in advance matriculating at Chatham. Knowledge gained from employment, job training, independent study, open courseware, volunteer and civic duties, military service and travel are just some examples that may prepare a student to earn credit through our Prior Learning Assessment program.

Benefits of Using the PLA Program

• Accelerate Degree Completion: Using PLA can lessen course overloads and potentially allow students to take advanced courses sooner.
• Save money: Fees for credits earned through PLA are charged at a significantly reduced rate relative to Chatham University's undergraduate tuition rate and/or graduate per credit rate. Students can use PLA for up to 50% of their program credit requirement.
• Satisfy pre-requisites, general education requirements, or elective credits: Prior Learning often develops knowledge that aren't included on a student's transcripts. Using PLA can help students evidence their course-specific knowledge for pre-requisites, general education requirements, or electives that allows them to then focus their time and effort on subsequent program courses.

Who Can Benefit from the PLA Program

• Undergraduate Students: Transfer students, Gateway/Adult Learners (students starting Chatham at 23 years of age or older), Military/Veterans, and traditional undergraduate students
• Graduate Students: Traditional graduate students, Military/Veterans

Ways to Earn Prior Learning Assessment Credits

1. Portfolio Development: Based on course-specific learning outcomes, students assemble a portfolio that consists of a written narrative along with supporting documentation that demonstrates a student's proficiency in the course learning outcomes.
2. Credit-by-Exam: A student may earn credit for a course by meeting established guidelines on standardized or challenge exams as approved by program or department per department approval.

How to Begin the PLA Process

After you have contacted your admissions representative, please use the Prior Learning Assessment Contract (also located at myChatham) to determine and continue with next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits can be earned through PLA?

Undergraduate degree-seeking students may earn up to 60 credits through the PLA Program. For example, undergraduate students may earn 50% of their program credits through PLA. The remaining 50% must be completed through courses at Chatham. As many as 6 credits earned through the portfolio development program may count towards Chatham University's residency requirement.

Graduate degree-seeking students in eligible programs may earn a maximum of 20% of their program requirements through PLA and transfer courses.

What courses are eligible for PLA?

This answer varies based on your major or program requirements, credits transferred or recognized from other institutions and other PLA credits (e.g. CLEP exams, Challenge exams) that you have applied towards your requirements. PLA credit may not be granted for PED courses (Physical Education) or SDE (Student Development) courses.

How much does PLA cost?

Fees for credits earned through PLA are charged at a significantly reduced rate relative to Chatham University's per-credit tuition rates. Undergraduate: For the portfolio review option, the PLA rate is $83 per credit assessed* ($249 per 3-credit course). For the credit by exam option, fees for CLEP and DSST exams are $85 per exam plus an administration fee of approximately $20.

Military Service members may be eligible for free exams. Eligibility information can be found at the DANTES site here.

Graduate: For the Prior Learning Assessment the charge is 20% of the per credit tuition rate. For the credit by exam the charge is 10% of the per credit tuition rate.

Both options represent significant cost savings for your education, with fees sometimes less than the cost of books and materials for a typical course.

*The PLA fee per credit assessed is not eligible for federal or state financial aid; however, as a Gateway student, a no interest, no application fee payment plan is available.