Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)

California undergraduate students attending a University of California or California State University campus may receive the Middle Class Scholarship when family income and household assets do not exceed the annual ceilings set by the California Student Aid Commission (up to $226,000 income and $226,000 assets in the source materials).

Award amounts vary based on cost of attendance, other federal, state, and institutional grant aid already received, and statewide funding. Eligibility is tiered so that as parent income rises, the percentage of eligibility falls (described as roughly 10 to 40 percent of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees when eligible).

Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2 each year. No separate MCS application is required. The California Student Aid Commission notifies selected students.