How To Apply For Middle Class Scholarship In 2025

For the 2025 academic year, eligible students with family income and assets up to $217,000 can apply for Middle Class Scholarship to receive significant financial assistance to attend the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), or California Community College Bachelor’s degree programs.

The Middle-Class Scholarship (MCS) is a California state program designed to make higher education more affordable for undergraduate students and teaching credential candidates.

I will walk you through the application process and help you understand your eligibility for this valuable scholarship opportunity. Let’s get started!

Middle Class Scholarship 2025: In A Gist

The Middle Class Scholarship in California helps UC and CSU students with incomes above Cal Grant limits. To qualify, students must submit FAFSA or Dream Act applications, enroll half-time, and have limited grant coverage.

Middle Class Scholarship Requirements

To qualify for the MCS, students must meet several key eligibility requirements. Let us have a look at each one of them:

• Income and Asset Threshold: Family income and assets must not exceed $217,000
• Residency: Must be a California resident
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or meet non-resident tuition exemption requirements
• Academic Standing: Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not be in default on student loans
• Not be incarcerated
• Attend a UC, CSU, or CA Community College Bachelor’s degree program.

Middle Class Scholarship Application Process

The application process begins with completing either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CSAC/ California Dream Act Application (CADAA). 

This crucial first step opens on October 1st each year, and you must submit your application by March 2nd to be considered for the scholarship.

Here is a list of all the important information about the application process:

• Complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application (starting October 1st)
• Submit all applications by the March 2nd deadline.
• Create and monitor your WebGrants 4 Students account here.
• Await notification (typically July or August)

How Do I Claim The Middle Class Scholarship?

To secure your Middle Class Scholarship, follow these essential steps:

Step1: Submit FAFSA/CADAA by March 2nd

Step 2: Simultaneously, Monitor WebGrants 4 Student’s account

Step 3: Respond to any information requests from your school

Step 4: Accept the award through your school’s financial aid portal

Step 5: Maintain eligibility requirements

Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) Award Details

The MCS award considers your cost of attendance, other financial aid, and contributions from you and your parents, if applicable. Foster youth may receive full coverage. 

The awards are distributed in late summer, and here is what you get with it if selected:

Award Calculation Factors

• The total cost of attendance at the chosen institution
• Other gift aid received (federal, state, institutional, scholarships)
• Standard student contribution ($7,898)
• Parent contribution (for dependent students with household income over $100,000)
• Special considerations for foster youth students

Award Distribution

• Initial awards are typically announced in July/August
• Awards are available for up to 4 years
• The amount may be adjusted based on the annual state budget allocation

Key Benefits Of Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) And Its Impact

The MCS program has transformed higher education accessibility for California’s middle-income families. Here is how it is beneficial and impactful:

• It helps bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and available resources
• Reduces student loan burden
• Provides exceptional support for foster youth students

Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) Special Considerations

The MCS program is a noble effort as it helps many young people build a new life. Here are a few lesser-known special things about the MSC program:

• Foster youth receive additional benefits with full cost of attendance coverage.
• Non-resident students may qualify through AB 540 exemption.
• Community college bachelor’s program students have different notification timelines.
• Awards may be adjusted based on state funding availability.

Also Read:

• Coursera Student Discount

Conclusion: Middle Class Scholarship Helps UC And CSU Students Get Grants

The Middle-Class Scholarship represents California’s commitment to making higher education accessible to middle-income families whose income and assets do not exceed $217,000.

You can use this valuable opportunity by applying for the Middle-Class Scholarship 2025 award till the 2nd of March 2025. 

Start preparing now and follow the advice given in this article. 

Remember to submit your application as early as possible, monitor your WebGrants account, and maintain eligibility requirements throughout your academic career to get the MCS award.

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