From advanced degrees to personal enrichment, here’s how staff can use Pitt’s education benefit

From Puppetry in Theatre to Foundations of Data Science, Pitt staff can explore a world of courses by using their education benefits. The University makes pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree or just taking classes for personal enrichment easy and affordable. In the 2023-24 academic year, 1,893 staff members used their education benefits.

The education benefit is part of Pitt staff’s overall compensation package, and it's a wonderful thing to use, said Lena Zellers, academic administrator and nontraditional student specialist in the College of General Studies.

Not only does she help staff navigate enrolling in the College of General Studies, but she also has firsthand knowledge of the life-changing impact of accessing a Pitt education through staff benefits.

“I would not have a master’s degree right now if it weren’t for my job at the University because I could not afford it and support my family of two young kids,” she said.

The benefits the University provides are among the best in the nation, including the education benefits, said Melissa Kluchurosky, director of benefits in the Office of Human Resources.

“Health and well-being are the foundation of the employee experience, and as an institution of higher education, the University values lifelong learning,” she said. 

Pitt contributes 97% of undergraduate tuition, up to eight credits per term, and 90% of graduate tuition, up to six credits per term, for full-time staff members.

How to get started

The admissions process for staff members is determined by the type of education they are pursuing, said Zellers.

If a staff member is a non-degree-seeking student, they will enter the University though the College of General Studies, but a staff member reenrolling at Pitt or pursuing a second bachelor’s degree will need to follow the admission guidelines set forth by the specific school overseeing their program.

If a staff member seeks to earn their first bachelor’s or master’s degree, the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid processes their admission.

The spring class schedule drops Oct. 1, and staff members interested in enrolling next semester who have questions about education benefits are encouraged to call the Office of Human Resources’ benefits customer support phone number at 833-852-2210, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. for assistance.

Photography by Aimee Obidzinski