Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)

The Middle Class Scholarship is for undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential with family income and assets up to $226,000.

Award amounts will be based on:

• The cost of attendance for the school of the student’s choice minus other available gift aid* that the student is eligible for (i.e. federal, state, institutional or scholarship aid),
• Minus a self-help student contribution of $8,154 (applied to all students),
• Minus 33% of parent contribution for dependent students with a household income of over $100,000.

Under this formula, award amounts will vary widely among students, with each student’s award reflecting their costs and available resources. 

*Outside fee paying resources will impact your award, and can cause it to be cancelled completely.

Who’s eligible?

New students, transfer students and continuing undergraduate students who meet the following criteria:

• Be a California resident or have AB 540 status
• Be a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or a California Dream Act (CADAA) applicant who meets the requirements for AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Must not be in default on a student loan
• Not be incarcerated
• Be enrolled half-time at minimum
• File a FAFSA/CADAA by March 2nd

You may receive the MCS award for up to 4 years depending on education level when awarded.

Things to keep in mind:

• The scholarship award can be adjusted throughout the school year before and/or after funds have disbursed, based on other financial aid (including but not limited to scholarships) the student may be receiving.
• Students who withdraw from coursework may be subject to return all or part of their Middle-Class Scholarship award in addition to any other federal, state, or institutional aid received.
• Each year’s amount will be based on the number of students that are eligible and the amount of funding allocated by the State Budget.
• Funds may be delayed or reduced depending on action of the Governor and the California State Legislature.
  Credential Students enrolled in an eligible teaching credential program may be eligible for up to one-year of Middle Class Scholarship 2.0. 

For additional information about the Middle Class Scholarship program, please visit CSAC’s website.