Middle Class Scholarship
1. The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS):
The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is a program which began in the 2014-15 academic year that provides undergraduate students with family incomes up to $226,000 a scholarship to attend University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses.
2. Students must meet the following
requirements:
Be a California resident attending a UC or CSU; be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or have AB 540* student status; meet certain income and other financial aid standards; maintain satisfactory academic progress; not be in default on a student loan; and, must not be incarcerated.
3. Apply:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov or the California Dream Act Application at dream.csac.ca.gov. Use the California Dream Act Application if you do not have a Social Security number (SSN) or if you have a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) number. Make sure your email address is listed on your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
4. If your family earns up to $100,000 per year:
You may be eligible for a scholarship of up to 40 percent of the mandatory system wide tuition and fees.
5. Students whose families earn between
$100,001 and $171,000 per year:
May be eligible for a reduced scholarship of no less than 10 percent of the mandatory system wide tuition and fees.
6. MCS scholarships are not set amounts and
may vary by student and institution:
The award is determined after you are awarded any Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant and institutional need-based grants for which you are eligible. The final award amount will be based on the number of students eligible for the MCS statewide and the funding allocated by the State Budget.
7. To get assistance completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application:
Email Ms. Miller. There are scheduled Financial Aid Application Labs on some Wednesdays in October and November.
8. If you are selected to receive a MCS you will be notified by the California Student Aid Commission.
9. Need more information about this scholarship?
Contact your UC or CSU campus Financial Aid Office or check the California Student Aid Commission's website for updates.