Are you a middle-class student worried about paying for college in California? The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) can help. This program gives money to families who earn too much for other aid but still struggle with high college costs.
What is the Middle Class Scholarship?
The Middle Class Scholarship is a California state program that helps middle-income families pay for college at UC and CSU schools. It was created because many families make too much money to qualify for Cal Grants but still can’t afford the high cost of college tuition.
This scholarship bridges that gap and makes college more affordable for thousands of California students.
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How Much Money Can You Get?
Students can receive up to $5,028 per year for undergraduate studies. The exact amount depends on your family income and how much financial need you have.
The scholarship works on a sliding scale. The less your family earns, the more money you can get. Even if your family makes a decent income, you might still qualify for some help.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Middle Class Scholarship, you need to meet these requirements:
- Be a California resident or AB 540 eligible student
- Attend a University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) school
- Be an undergraduate student working toward your first bachelor’s degree
- Have a family income of up to $217,000
- Have at least $700 in financial need after other aid
- File your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Unlike some scholarships, you can qualify even if your family makes over $100,000 per year. That’s what makes this scholarship special for middle-class families.
How to Apply
The application process is super simple. Here’s what you need to do:
- File your FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov or California Dream Act Application at https://dream.csac.ca.gov
- List at least one UC or CSU school on your application
- Submit your application by the March 2 deadline
- Wait for your financial aid award letter from your school
That’s it! You don’t need to fill out a separate application for the Middle Class Scholarship. When you complete your FAFSA or Dream Act application, you’re automatically considered for this scholarship.
When Will You Know?
After you file your FAFSA and get accepted to a UC or CSU school, you’ll receive a financial aid award letter. This letter shows all the aid you’re getting, including the Middle Class Scholarship if you qualify.
Award letters usually come out in the spring, between March and May. If you’re selected, the money goes directly to your school to help pay your tuition and fees.
Which Schools Accept It?
The Middle Class Scholarship works at all UC and CSU campuses, including:
- UC schools like UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and others
- CSU schools like San Diego State, Cal Poly, San Jose State, and others
You must attend one of these schools full-time to receive the scholarship.
Tips to Maximize Your Award
Want to get the most money possible? Follow these tips:
- File your FAFSA or Dream Act Application as early as possible (starting October 1)
- Don’t miss the March 2 deadline
- Make sure your family’s income information is accurate
- Apply to multiple UC and CSU schools to increase your options
- Accept all other financial aid first since MCS fills in the gaps
Keeping Your Scholarship
Once you receive the Middle Class Scholarship, you can keep it for up to four years as long as you:
- Stay enrolled full-time
- Keep making good academic progress
- Continue to have financial need
- File your FAFSA or Dream Act Application every year
Remember, you must reapply for financial aid each year to keep receiving the scholarship.
Other Aid You Can Stack
The great news is you can combine the Middle Class Scholarship with other financial aid like:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Cal Grants
- University scholarships
- Federal student loans
All of this aid works together to make college more affordable for you.
Don’t Miss Out
The Middle Class Scholarship has helped thousands of California students afford college at top UC and CSU schools. If your family is middle-income, this scholarship could be the key to making your college dreams come true.
File your FAFSA or California Dream Act application today and don’t miss the March 2 deadline. Your future is waiting.
Official FAFSA Website: https://studentaid.gov
California Dream Act Application: https://dream.csac.ca.gov
More Information: https://www.csac.ca.gov/middle-class-scholarship