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Financial Support

The Department of Geology & Environmental Science offers its PhD and MS graduate students an excellent financial support package. Departmental financial assistance is generally not available for students in the Pro-MS in GIS/Remote Sensing program. The package enables graduate students in good standing to concentrate on their education, not on financial burdens.

Our comprehensive package supports students throughout their graduate careers. Financial support for first year graduate students is normally provided in the form of a tuition scholarship plus a teaching assistantship (TA), though some students do receive a graduate research assistantship (GSR) or a fellowship. All of these options consist of both a competitive stipend and full tuition coverage. In subsequent years, the graduate student is typically supported by some combination of TA, GSR, and fellowship. 

What is included in the financial support package?

  • A competitive stipend. As of Fall 2024, the normal level of support is $34,170/year; the stipend amount typically has a cost of living increase each year. Given Pittsburgh's low cost of living, this is a very comfortable income.
  • Health insurance. You're covered. The University of Pittsburgh provides excellent health insurance options, providing every student with an eligible academic appointment with complete medical coverage free of charge; supplementary dental and vision plans are also available. Rather than being limited to physicians at a student health service, every student is free to choose her/his own primary care physician. Moreover, spouses and children can be included in our medical plans at very reasonable costs.
  • Tuition. Graduate tuition can be expensive. A Graduate student supported as a TA, GSR or receiving a Fellowship in our program receives a merit scholarship for tuition and fees for each term that he/she is supported. Depending on your course load and residency status, this benefit can amount to $11,130 per semester[U2] .
  • Transportation. With much thought to the future, the University of Pittsburgh has arranged for free transportation throughout Allegheny county via the PRT bus system for enrolled students. Any bus - any time, anywhere - is free, including those to downtown or to the airport. This benefit saves students the cost of monthly bus passes or parking permits. The University also has an extensive shuttle system, accessible with a valid ID. A bike-share program has arrived on campus!

How far does my stipend dollar go?

Taken together, our graduate students generally do not have financial worries while continuing their education and training, allowing them to focus full-time on their research and professional development. There are additionally financial support opportunities, if needed.

Fellowship Opportunities

Numerous fellowship opportunities offer financial compensation and serve as valuable additions to a strong resumé or CV. Visit here for examples of such fellowships.

Federal Funding Sources

In addition, funding for graduate degree programs is available through several federal sources. Visit here for examples of such funding sources.

GES Departmental Scholarships

Every spring semester, our department has various awards available for undergraduate and graduate students. Please read the requirements for each application and be sure that they are in alignment with your field of study.

2025 Applications are due February 1, 2025, click here for links to the application. 

Research-based Awards

External Grant & Fellowship Opportunities

There are also external grant and fellowship opportunities that become available. Visit here for current opportunities.