The Middle-Class Scholarship is available to help middle-class students in the United States. The MCS provides funding for undergraduate students to attend the University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses.

The MCS program is open for new, transfer and returning undergraduate students, including students chasing a teaching credential with family incomes and assets up to $177,000 per year.

Established on March 23, 1868, the University of California has ten campuses routinely ranked among the best in the world. The UC has 160 academic disciplines, 800-degree programs, five medical centres, and three national laboratories.

California State University delivers high-quality education at far below the average cost of public university education. Established in 1857, CSU has 23 campuses and eight off-campuses.

Application Deadline: March 2, 2020 (March 2 each year)

Brief Description

• University or Organization: California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
• Department: NA
• Course Level: Undergraduate
• Award: MCS will cover between 10 per cent and 40 per cent tuition and fees
• Access Mode: Online
• Number of Awards: NA
• Nationality: US Citizen
• The award can be taken in the USA

Eligibility

Eligible Countries: the United States
Acceptable Course or Subjects: The program is available for undergraduate study in any subject
Admissible Criteria: Students must meet the following required criteria:

• Be a California resident attending a UC or CSU
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or have AB 540* student status
• Meet specific income/asset and other financial aid standards
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not be in default on a student loan
• Must not be incarcerated

*AB 540 students are subject to the following qualifications:

• Attend a California high school for a minimum of 3 years or attain credits equivalent to 3 or more years of high school coursework and have a combination of 3 or more years at a California elementary or secondary school as outlined in AB 2000
• Graduate from a California high school or pass the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
• Enrol in an accredited and qualified California college or university
• If applicable, fill out an affidavit stating your intent to legalize your immigration status as soon as possible

How to Apply for Middle-Class Scholarship

To Apply: Students must follow the give steps and guidance:

Step 1: Apply for undergraduate admission to the University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU). Once you are acknowledged to a UC or CSU, you will automatically be considered for the MCS scholarship. Ensure your email address is listed on your FAFSA or CADAA. Students must reapply each year.

Step 2: Students are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) before the March 2nd. After submitted FAFSA or CADAA, create a www.webgrants4students.org account to monitor your state financial aid.

Note: After selection for receiving an MCS award, students will be notified by the California Student Aid Commission in August.

• Supporting Documents: As per UC or CSU university requirements in which students will take undergraduate admission.
• Entry Requirements: Check the University of California and the California State University admission requirement page
• Language Requirement: Applicants should have proper control over the English language (reading, writing, speaking)

Benefits

• MCS grants are not set volumes and may vary by student and institution. Students can receive the MCS award for up to 4 years depending on education level when awarded.
• If learner’s families have income and assets up to $177,000 per year, they can receive an award of not below 10% and no over 40% of the mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at the UC and CSU (the University of California and the California State University).

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