California Scholarships Programs
California offers state scholarships including the Middle Class Scholarship and numerous CSU/UC institutional awards. Private foundations and the California Student Aid Commission administer additional merit and need-based scholarships.
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)
MCS specifically targets middle-income families who may not qualify for Cal Grant but still face tuition burdens.
What it provides: Sliding-scale tuition scholarships for UC and CSU undergraduates
Assistance: Covers up to 40% of tuition after other gift aid, depending on income tier.
Eligibility: Award amount varies based on family income and other gift aid received.
Who may qualify:
- California residents with family income up to $217,000
- Undergraduates at UC or CSU with financial need
- Students not receiving sufficient gift aid to cover tuition
Requirements:
- FAFSA or CADAA filed by March 2
- Enrollment at UC or CSU
- Satisfactory academic progress
How to apply: Automatic consideration when you file FAFSA/CADAA and attend a UC or CSU campus.
Official source: CSAC MCS
California Dream Act Scholarships and Grants
California is among the most generous states for undocumented student aid, providing access to the full Cal Grant program.
What it provides: State financial aid for undocumented and DACA students meeting AB 540 criteria
Assistance: Cal Grants, Middle Class Scholarship, and institutional aid through CADAA pathway.
Eligibility: Same Cal Grant and institutional aid eligibility as FAFSA filers through CADAA.
Who may qualify:
- AB 540 eligible students attending California colleges
- Undocumented and DACA recipients who cannot file FAFSA
- Students meeting California residency requirements for tuition
Requirements:
- California Dream Act Application by March 2
- AB 540 affidavit at college
- Cal Grant GPA verification
How to apply: File CADAA at dream.csac.ca.gov instead of FAFSA; all other CSAC processes are identical.
Official source: California Dream Act
University of California Regents Scholarship
Each UC campus administers its own Regents and Chancellor's Scholarship programs for high-achieving students.
What it provides: Merit-based scholarships at UC campuses for outstanding academic achievement
Assistance: Varies by campus; may include full or partial tuition coverage plus stipends.
Eligibility: Award criteria set by individual UC campuses; typically top academic performers.
Who may qualify:
- Incoming and continuing UC undergraduates
- Students with exceptional academic records
- California residents and nonresidents at participating campuses
Requirements:
- UC application and admission
- Automatic or supplemental scholarship application per campus
- Maintain GPA requirements
How to apply: Apply for UC admission; many campuses automatically consider admitted students for Regents Scholarships.
Official source: UC Scholarships