To qualify for a Chatham Scholarship, students must complete an admissions application, be granted acceptance to the University, and, in some cases, interview or audition. In addition, Chatham offers generous need-based financial aid. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine need-based aid. No other forms are required.
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: $15,000-$22,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.
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 6—Deadline extended to February 6.
Please have your application portal login information ready to access the scholarship application.
Apply for Presidential Scholarship
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 6—Deadline extended to February 6.
Please have your application portal login information ready to access the scholarship application.
Apply for Rachel Carson Scholarship
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.
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.
Application deadline: February 6—Deadline extended to February 6.
Please have your application portal login information ready to access the scholarship application.
Apply for Heffer Family 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.
Application deadline: February 6—Deadline extended to February 6.
Please have your application portal login information ready to access the scholarship application.
Apply for Karen Lake Scholarship
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
Priority deadline: June 1
Learn About Rachel Carson Award
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
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.
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.
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
Priority deadline: February 6—Deadline extended to February 6.
Please have your application portal login information ready to access the scholarship application.
Apply for Instrumental Music Scholarship
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.
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: $15,000-$22,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.
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
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.
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
Priority deadline: February 6—Deadline extended to February 6.
Please have your application portal login information ready to access the scholarship application.
Apply for Instrumental Music Scholarship
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.
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.
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: $15,000-$22,000
Renewable: annually based on cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and full-time enrollment.
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 6—Deadline extended to February 6.
Please have your application portal login information ready to access the scholarship application.
Apply for Presidential Scholarship
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 6—Deadline extended to February 6.
Please have your application portal login information ready to access the scholarship application.
Apply for Rachel Carson Scholarship
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
Priority deadline: June 1
Learn About Rachel Carson Award
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
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.
Chatham is pleased to participate in both the Yellow Ribbon program for Veterans and Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program for active Service members. See below for more details and how to apply.
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:
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: https://www.airforce.com/education/ongoing-education
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.
These donor-funded scholarships provide generous support to help underwrite undergraduate education at Chatham. Applications are not necessary, and all awards are made through the Office of Financial Aid.
Harriet Lewis Franklin Endowed Scholarship
The Harriet Lewis Franklin Endowed Scholarship was created by Dr. Harriet Lewis Franklin ’59 and inspired by her love for education and English. A former English professor, she created a scholarship to honor Chatham students who have a similar passion for English. This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student who is an English major at Chatham. Qualified students will be selected through the Office of Financial Aid.
The Susan Bergman Gurrentz ’56 Endowed Scholarship
Joan and Rodger Gurrentz and their family established the scholarship in honor of Susan Bergman Gurrentz ’56. Susan was an accomplished artist with a career spanning 50 years as a portrait artist, painting individuals, families, and dignitaries from around the world. Chatham’s Art Gallery has also been renamed in her honor. The Susan Bergman Gurrentz ’56 Scholarship supports students who share Susan’s passion for the fine arts and are majoring in the arts at Chatham. Qualified students will be selected through the Office of Financial Aid.
Elizabeth Waite Prine ‘61 Scholarship Fund
Elizabeth Waite Prine ’61 established the scholarship to support students majoring in the environmental sciences at Chatham. Qualified students will be selected through the Office of Financial Aid.
The Joan Finegold Memorial Scholarships in Nursing
Dr. Milton Finegold established these scholarships in honor of his late wife, Joan Finegold. Joan was a nurse who had a passion for helping others. Her generous spirit and dedication for nursing continues through The Joan Finegold Memorial Scholarships in Nursing. These annual scholarships are awarded to high-achieving undergraduate nursing students at Chatham. Qualified students will be selected through the Office of Financial Aid.
The Marlene Suran Davis ’58 Endowed Scholarship
The scholarship was established by the late Richard Davis in honor of his late wife, Marlene Suran Davis ’58. Marlene spent her career in teaching and this scholarship commemorates Marlene’s love for education. This scholarship has a first preference for a student in the Cherry Creek High School System, Southeast of Denver in Colorado, where Marlene taught for over twenty years. Qualified students will be selected by the Office of Financial Aid.
The Anne Putnam Mallinson ’61 Scholarship
The scholarship was established by William Mallinson in honor of his late wife, Anne Putnam Mallinson ’61. Anne graduated from Chatham with a BA in Music and was an active volunteer for a variety of different music and performing arts organizations. This scholarship has a first preference for a student from Warren County or Western PA who majors in Music or Performing Arts at Chatham. Qualified students will be selected by the Office of Financial Aid.
The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Endowed Scholarship
The scholarship was established by The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation to support students in Chatham’s Gateway Program who are 25 years old and working toward their first undergraduate degree. The Foundation was established through the estate of Charlotte W. Newcombe, who greatly valued the importance of higher education. Qualified students will be selected through the Office of Financial Aid.
The Class of 1962 Scholarship Challenge
The Class of 1962 created a generous scholarship challenge for the Chatham community, with the goal of inspiring alumni to create 15 new endowed scholarships. In academic year 2021-22, nine of the scholarships are available to be awarded. Qualified students will be selected individually for each of these scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid.
Chatham recognizes that life learning may provide a knowledge base equivalent to college-level learning outcomes. And we believe that knowledge should be rewarded with an opportunity to work toward a degree faster and at a reduced cost.
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.
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.
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.
Filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is what triggers your eligibility for grants and loans from the federal government, state government, and schools (including Chatham). It's an incredibly important part of getting financial aid.
Complete FAFSA : Checkerboard 1 - Complete Your FAFSA Today
Chatham is a preferred partner of the Pittsburgh Promise. Visit the Pittsburgh Promise website to determine scholarship eligibility and to apply.
Explore more options available to you listed in the following free scholarship databases:
If you have questions about financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid located at Braun Hall on the Shadyside Campus.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 412-365-2781
Fax: 412-365-1871
Email the Office of Financial Aid
