The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) 2025 is a financial aid program designed for California students attending UC or CSU schools.
It specifically supports families with incomes and assets under $217,000—those who don’t qualify for Cal Grants but still need help covering college costs.
In 2023-24, over 300,000 California students benefited from this scholarship. To apply, students must submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application between October 1 and March 2.
How and when should all of this be done? Let us get into the details below!
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:
Conclusion: Middle Class Scholarship Helps UC And CSU Students Get Grants
The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) 2025 continues to play a crucial role in making higher education affordable for California’s middle-income families.
With a maximum income limit of $217,000, students attending UC or CSU institutions can receive financial support for up to 4 years.
The scholarship amount is calculated after considering the total cost of attendance, other financial aid, and family contributions.
Awards are typically announced between July and August, with foster youth receiving added benefits.
By reducing student debt and bridging the affordability gap, the MCS program ensures that thousands of students can pursue their academic dreams without financial stress.
FAQs
Award amounts vary based on the cost of attendance, other financial aid received, and available state funding. Each student’s award is individually calculated based on their specific circumstances.
It’s a legitimate state-funded program administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
California residents attending UC/CSU/CC Bachelor’s programs with family income and assets up to $217,000 who meet citizenship and academic requirements.
Check your WebGrants 4 Students account or contact your financial aid office. Awards are typically announced in July or August.
Awards vary significantly based on individual circumstances, cost of attendance, and other financial aid received. After considering all available resources, the amount is calculated and may be adjusted based on state funding.
