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    Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)

    California Student Aid Commission · Foundation program

    Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition

    Award

    Amount varies

    Deadline

    See the official page for current dates.

    Checked against the official page on Nov 6, 2026.

    About this scholarship

    This state-funded program helps undergraduates and students pursuing teaching credentials pay for their higher education. It is designed for students attending a University of California, California State University, or California Community College bachelor's degree program. The award amount is determined using a formula that considers the total cost of attendance at the chosen school alongside other available financial aid, a standard self-help student contribution, and a parent contribution for dependent students from qualifying household income levels. This ensures that assistance is targeted toward families who need support covering educational costs.

    Who can apply

    • Resident of California
    • Undergraduate
    • College 1st year or College 2nd year or College 3rd year or College 4th year
    • Shows financial need on the FAFSA or state aid application
    • U.S. citizen or Eligible noncitizen or DACA or state Dream Act student
    • Usable at: 2-year college, 4-year college, public college
    • For undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential at a University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), or California Community College Bachelor's degree program. Family income and assets must not exceed a set limit.

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    Award details

    Amount
    Amount varies
    Number of awards
    Not stated
    Renewable
    One-time or not stated
    Merit-based
    No
    Need-based
    Yes
    Essay required
    Not stated

    Key dates

    1. Applications open

      Open now or not stated

    2. Deadline

      See the official page for current dates.

    3. Winners notified

      Not stated

    As published: See the official page for current dates.

    How to apply

    1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

    Provider and source

    Provider
    California Student Aid Commission
    Last verified
    Nov 6, 2026

    Facts on this page come from the official page and the provider's website. The description is written by CollegesRef. Providers can change amounts and dates; the official page always wins.

    Where you can use it

    Most California programs are used at eligible colleges in the state. The official page lists which schools take part.

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    How we check listings

    Every listing links to the provider's official page. Before it goes live, its amount and dates must appear on that page, the link must work and it must pass our scam checks; anything that fails a check waits for an editor. We re-check links every week. Listings not re-verified within six months leave our search until they are.

    Our methodology

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    Real scholarships never charge an application fee, never guarantee you will win and never ask for bank or card details.