The Middle Class Scholarship


The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program is designed for undergraduate students with family incomes and assets (each) up to $217,000 (for the 2023-24 academic year). Scholarship amounts are based on a sliding scale according to your family’s income and the other kinds of support you receive. Learn more at csac.ca.gov. You must meet all eligibility requirements as well as the March 2 deadline.

Basic Eligibility Requirements


  • Undergraduate students
  • Students who are eligible to complete a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application
  • U.S. Citizens, eligible non-citizens
  • California residents or meet AB540 eligibility criteria
  • Meet the Income and Asset Ceilings.

Annual Amount


  • Scholarship award amounts will vary by student and by school.
  • Award amounts will be based on the cost of attendance for the school of the student’s choice and the following program requirements:
  • Other available gift aid that the student is eligible for (i.e. federal, state, institutional or          scholarship aid),
  • A self-help student contribution of $7,898 (applied to all students), and
  • A parent contribution for dependent students with a household income of over $100,000.
  • These three factors, collectively, are referred to as a students’ “available resources.” These amounts are deducted from the student’s total cost of attendance to determine the MCS award. 

Enrollment Requirements and Census Date


A student’s enrollment status can determine your grant eligibility and census date plays a big part. We encourage you to review your enrollment requirements to plan appropriately.