Middle Class Scholarship
Get Financial Aid While Pursuing Your Teaching Credential
Supporting you along the way
This financial aid program is for undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential.
About
Who Can Apply?
If cost is a barrier to continuing your education, the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) can help.
This scholarship provides low- to middle-income undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with scholarships to attend a University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), or California Community College Bachelor’s degree program.
Requirements
Find out if you’re eligible!
Explore the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program and learn about the latest requirements through the California Student Aid Commission.
To qualify for the MCS, you must:
Be a California resident attending a University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), or a California Community College (CCC) Bachelor’s degree program.
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or meet the nonresident exemption requirements (like AB 540).
Meet income and asset limits for your college year:
Up to $234,000 for students attending between July 2025 and June 2026
Up to $226,000 for students attending between July 2024 and June 2025
Stay on track with your classes, meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
You may not qualify if you are:
In default on a student loan.
Currently incarcerated.
How to Apply
Follow These Steps
Once you have determined eligibility for this scholarship, the steps are straightforward:
Submit your FAFSA or CADAA for the academic year by the priority deadline for state aid. The student’s school will send enrollment data to CSAC for award consideration.
Create a WebGrants 4 Students account to monitor the status of your state aid. Students selected to receive an MCS award will be notified by CSAC by mid to late August.
Award
About the Scholarship Award
For the most current details and criteria for the award, visit the California Student Aid Commission on the Middle Class Scholarship.
Awards may vary by student and by school.
Award amounts will be based on the cost of attendance for your college, your “available resources” (other financial aid you are eligible for, a self-help student contribution, and a parent contribution for dependent students with a household income of over $100,000), and other factors.
This grant may award up to 4 years, depending on the education level when awarded.
For More Information
Get the most up-to-date information and application details, including additional eligibility requirements on this financial aid program with the California Student Aid Commission.
More financial aid programs are available.
Most U.S. citizens qualify for financial aid with a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Undocumented students can get assistance through the California Dream Act (CADAA).
Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants go to undergraduate students without college degrees who come from low-income families.
CAL GRANT PROGRAM
Cal Grants get awarded to California resident undergraduates based on financial need, academic performance and other factors.
Promise Grants
Low-income students and students receiving cash assistance may automatically apply for a California College Promise Grant (CCPG).
Student Success Completion Grant
The Student Success Completion Grant provides free money for students to take more classes and earn their degrees faster. Apply by filling out a FAFSA or CADAA form.
Student Scholarships
The California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment offers over 3,000 student scholarships per year. Many private organizations also award various scholarships.
Work Study Programs
Federal work-study students earn money to pay for college by working a part-time job on-campus or out in the community.
