Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)

The Middle Class Scholarship is available to undergraduate California residents who attend a California State University. To be eligible, students must have a family income less than or equal to $150,000 and cannot have household assets over $150,000.

To apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act Application (for Dream Act-eligible students) by March 2 each year.

Amount

New for 2014-15, the Middle Class Scholarship is being phased in over four years with the amount increasing each year.  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.

The award amount is based on a sliding scale according to your family income and is reduced by other publicly funded, need-based financial aid you receive.

• For example, in 2014-15, the maximum amount is estimated to be $384 each semester minus other publicly funded, need based financial aid you receive.
• Publicly funded, need-based financial aid may include all federal and state grant, such as Pell Grant and Cal Grant.

Availability of funds

For 2014-15, awards will begin in the fall.  If eligible, we will notify you by email and through your AidLink account.

If the MCS is part of your financial aid award, disbursement of the funds may be delayed until the university receives funds from the State Controller's Office through the California Student Aid Commission. Funds may be delayed or reduced depending on action of the Governor and the California State Legislature.

Ten things you need to know about California's Middle Class Scholarship

Visit the California Student Aid Commission website to learn more.