Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Scholarship for California undergraduates (and teaching-credential students) at UC, CSU or a community college bachelor's program with family income up to $250,000 (2026-27); amount varies.
- How much
- varies (based on cost of attendance, other aid, and state funding)
- Who qualifies
- Must attend a UC, CSU, or CCC bachelor's degree program; income and asset ceilings up to $250,000 for 2026-27 ($234,000 for 2025-26); keep Satisfactory Academic Progress; not in default on a student loan or incarcerated. 'grad' covers teaching-credential students only.
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students, grad students
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, eligible noncitizen, or AB 540 nonresident-tuition-exemption student (CA Dream Act Application)
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Open now FAFSA/CADAA by the MCS deadline, typically March 2 (2026-27: CADAA March 2, 2026; FAFSA March 3, 2026; 2025-26 was April 2, 2025)
- How to apply
- Submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the MCS deadline (no separate application)
- Your school sends enrollment data to CSAC
- Track status in WebGrants 4 Students
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (csac.ca.gov)
The details
For low- to middle-income undergraduates, including students pursuing a teaching credential, at a UC, CSU or California Community College bachelor's degree program. The award is based on the student's cost of attendance minus other aid already awarded, and is scaled to the number of eligible students and the funding in the State Budget. Current and former foster youth can have their remaining cost of attendance covered. Available for up to 8 semesters or 12 quarters depending on education level at the time of awarding. Award notices go out mid-to-late August.
More money from California
- Cal Grant A2026-27 max: UC $15,588 (2026-27 cohort), CSU $6,838, CCC bachelor's program $3,024, private institutions $4,000-$9,358
- Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)up to $8,000 per year (15+ units/semester); $2,596 per year (12-14.99 units/semester)
- Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant Programup to $5,000 (one-time)
- Cal Grant C2026-27 max: community college $1,094 (books/supplies); private schools $2,462 tuition/fees + $547 books/supplies
- Cal Grant B2026-27: $1,648 access award (first year); from year two also tuition/fees up to $15,588 at UC, $6,838 at CSU, $4,000-$9,358 at private schools
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arizona, Nevada, Oregon
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.