The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program provides financial assistance to eligible undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential at the University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU).
How it works:
Each year, the state of California allocates funding for the Middle Class Scholarship program, which helps cover a portion of tuition costs for UC students. To apply, you need to:
- Submit a financial aid application. No separate application is needed for the Middle Class Scholarship, but you must apply for financial aid annually by the March 2 deadline.
Eligibility Requirements:
New, transfer, and returning undergraduate students at UC or CSU may be eligible for the scholarship if they meet these criteria:
- California resident or have AB 540 status.
- Not in default on a student loan.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Family income and assets (excluding equity in a primary residence and retirement savings) are below the program’s specified threshold for the year.
- File a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2.
Also check out: Hankamer School of Business Scholarship
What to Expect:
The amount of your scholarship is determined by your total available resources, which include:
- Your “gift aid” (federal, state, and institutional grants or scholarships you receive).
- A “self-help” student contribution of $8,154 for all students.
- A parent contribution (for dependent students whose household income exceeds $100,000).
The total of your available resources is subtracted from the cost of attendance to determine your scholarship amount. Award amounts vary based on the student’s financial resources and the cost of attendance. If you qualify for the scholarship, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and your campus’s financial aid office will notify you of your award amount.
Important Notes:
- Your scholarship award is calculated after considering any federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant, and UC need-based grants you’ve received.
- Award amounts may change each year based on available funding.
- Your award may be adjusted during the academic year if you receive additional financial aid, such as scholarships.
- You’ll be notified of your award amount by your campus’s financial aid office.
