The Middle Class Scholarship 2025/2026 (MCS) is one of the most beneficial financial aid programs offered by the State of California to support students from middle-income families. This scholarship helps reduce the cost of attending the University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU), ensuring that financial limitations do not stand in the way of academic success.
Designed for students whose family income falls within the middle range, the MCS program bridges the gap between need-based aid and the full cost of college, making higher education more affordable and accessible.
If you are planning to attend a UC or CSU in the 2025/2026 academic year, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and how to apply successfully.
About the Middle Class Scholarship
The Middle Class Scholarship was created to assist California families earning up to $217,000 annually, who do not typically qualify for full financial aid but still face challenges affording tuition and college expenses.
Administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), the MCS program provides a percentage of tuition and fees based on the student’s total cost of attendance and the amount of other grants or scholarships received.
The goal is to make higher education more inclusive, ensuring middle-income students have access to the same opportunities as others with greater financial support.
Key Features of the Middle Class Scholarship 2025/2026
-
Available for undergraduate students attending UC or CSU campuses.
-
Covers a portion of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
-
Open to California residents, Dream Act students, and AB 540 students.
-
Designed for middle-income families with annual household income up to $217,000.
-
No repayment required — this is a scholarship, not a loan.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Middle Class Scholarship 2025/2026, students must meet the following requirements:
-
Residency:
Must be a California resident, Dream Act student, or AB 540-eligible student. -
Enrollment:
Be enrolled at least half-time (6 units or more) at a UC or CSU campus for the 2025/2026 academic year. -
Income Limit:
Family income and household assets must not exceed $217,000. -
Academic Progress:
Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) as defined by your university. -
Financial Aid Application:
Submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the state’s priority deadline (typically March 2, 2025).
Award Amount and Calculation
Unlike fixed scholarships, the Middle Class Scholarship award is based on a sliding scale. The amount you receive depends on:
-
Your total cost of attendance (COA)
-
The amount of other financial aid you receive (such as Pell Grants, Cal Grants, or institutional scholarships)
-
Your expected family contribution (EFC)
In general, the Middle Class Scholarship can cover up to 40% of tuition and fees at UC or CSU campuses.
Typical Award Range (Estimates for 2025/2026):
-
UC Students: $1,000 – $8,000
-
CSU Students: $800 – $5,000
Note: Actual award amounts vary depending on each student’s financial situation and available funding from the state.
How to Apply for the Middle Class Scholarship 2025/2026
Applying for the MCS is straightforward — no separate application is required beyond your FAFSA or CADAA submission. Click here to see more information https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/
Step-by-Step Application Process:
-
Complete the FAFSA or CADAA
-
Submit your application by March 2, 2025.
-
Use your accurate household income and tax information.
-
-
List a UC or CSU on Your Application
-
You must indicate at least one UC or CSU campus to be considered.
-
-
Check Your Cal Grant Status
-
Even if you don’t qualify for a Cal Grant, you can still be eligible for MCS funding.
-
-
Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR)
-
Correct any mistakes to avoid delays in processing.
-
-
Wait for Notification
-
CSAC will notify you of your eligibility through your WebGrants4Students account during summer 2025.
-
Important Dates for the Middle Class Scholarship 2025/2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| FAFSA/CADAA Opens | October 1, 2024 |
| Priority Deadline | March 2, 2025 |
| Award Notifications Begin | June–July 2025 |
| Disbursement Begins | Fall 2025 |
Tip: Submitting early increases your chances of receiving the maximum award amount.
Documents You May Need
When applying, you may be asked to provide:
-
Most recent tax returns or W-2s for income verification
-
Social Security Number (if applicable)
-
School enrollment verification
-
Citizenship or residency documents (for non-U.S. citizens)
Renewing the Middle Class Scholarship
Good news — the Middle Class Scholarship is renewable each year!
To remain eligible:
-
Continue attending a UC or CSU.
-
Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
-
Submit your FAFSA or CADAA annually before the deadline.
As long as you meet the income and academic criteria, you can receive the award for up to four academic years.
RECOMMENDED POSTS
- Chick-fil-A Scholarship 2025/2026 Application, Eligibility & Deadline
- Burger King Scholarship 2025/2026 Application | Apply Now
- Sallie Mae Scholarship 2025/2026 Application| Apply Now
Benefits of the Middle Class Scholarship
No Repayment: It’s a scholarship, not a loan.
Flexible Use: Can be applied toward tuition, books, or other academic expenses.
Accessible: Supports students who often fall between full financial aid and no aid.
Renewable: Provides consistent support throughout your college years.
Encourages Degree Completion: Reduces financial pressure and helps students focus on academic goals.
Tips for a Successful Application
-
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last week to submit your FAFSA or CADAA.
-
Verify Your Info: Make sure your income data is correct to avoid rejection.
-
Check Email Regularly: CSAC may request additional documents or clarifications.
-
Monitor WebGrants: Log in frequently to track your scholarship status.
-
Meet Academic Standards: Keep your GPA steady to maintain eligibility.
Conclusion
The Middle Class Scholarship 2025/2026 is a powerful resource for California families striving to afford higher education. By bridging the gap between traditional financial aid and full tuition costs, it ensures that students from middle-income households can focus on learning, not just finances.
If you or your family fall within the eligible income range, don’t miss this opportunity. Submit your FAFSA or CADAA before March 2, 2025, and take one step closer to achieving your college dreams with the support of the Middle Class Scholarship.