Middle Class Scholarship
California Student Aid Commission
The California Student Aid Commission annually allocates $171,000 to support high school students in California to enroll in undergraduate teaching degrees via its Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program.
The program aims to financially support students from family income and assets of $201,000 to join college. It further seeks to encourage students to pursue teaching careers. The award is determined each year by the number of eligible students and the allocated funds by the state budget.
Applicants must be California residents or have been enrolled in a Californian high school for three years prior to their application. They must fill out a FAFSA form, provide school verification, and their grade transcripts. MCS partner higher education institutions include the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and California Community College.
Scholarship Summary
The California Student Aid Commission annually allocates $171,000 to support high school students in California to enroll in undergraduate teaching degrees via its Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program.
The program aims to financially support students from family income and assets of $201,000 to join college. It further seeks to encourage students to pursue teaching careers. The award is determined each year by the number of eligible students and the allocated funds by the state budget.
Applicants must be California residents or have been enrolled in a Californian high school for three years prior to their application. They must fill out a FAFSA form, provide school verification, and their grade transcripts. MCS partner higher education institutions include the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and California Community College.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: High School Senior
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: California
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of Middle Class Scholarship
Study Details
Area of Study
- Education
- Teaching
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
- University of California (UC)
- California State University (CSU)
- California Community College
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Grade transcripts
- School verification
- Financial information
- Short answers
Middle Class Scholarship Timeline
October 1
Applications Opening Date
Applications open in October.
March 2
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is in March.
July-August
Awards Announcement Date
Winners are announced between July and August.
How to ace the Middle Class Scholarship
Start the application process right away
You should start the application process as soon as possible. This will allow you enough time to acquire all necessary documents and complete all forms and work on your personal statement in the application if required. Have everything organized and planned to avoid any last-minute complications.
Keep your grades up
This scholarship program has no GPA requirement, yet you must demonstrate good academic standing. Therefore, work hard on keeping your grades. Remember the higher your grades the better your chances of winning. Your grades will be an indicator of how dedicated and serious you are.
Demonstrate your character and skills
In your application, showcase your character, ambitions, and abilities. Make your answers concise and interesting, capturing your pursuit to a degree in teaching. Tell the judges your story and what you hope to achieve. Add your experience in community service and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your leadership skills.
Prove your determination to your education
Demonstrate your interest and motivation to further your education and your pursuit of an undergraduate degree in teaching. You need to showcase how this scholarship will help you reach your academic goals. It is always best to allow yourself enough time to edit and review your application before submitting it. Get a second or third eye review from your mentor or instructor.
How the Middle Class Scholarship is Judged
Applications are assessed based on the quality of application, and academic potential, and financial need.
Why We Love the Middle Class Scholarship
It supports disadvantaged students
MSC appreciates students who possess academic excellence despite their financial challenges. It aims to support those with an annual household income of $201,000 or less to help them reach their academic and career goals.
It allows access to higher education
MCS program aims to narrow the gap and allow more students to join college in California. It also encourages young students to enroll in teaching degrees and pursue a career in teaching, which it secures their future.
It is inclusive
All eligible students are welcomed to apply without any prejudice. The program is open to all regardless of gender, race, age, background, ethnicity, etc.
5 Facts About Middle Class Scholarship MCS
It is for California residents
MCS is available for California residents or students who have attended high school in California for three years prior to their application.
Students must plan to enroll full-time
Applicants must plan to enroll full-time as defined through credit hours at their institution.
It is a renewable award
The program is renewable for up to four years as long as requirements are met.
Its amount is based funding and number of winners
MCS award amounts for each year is determined by the number of eligible students and the funding allocated by the state budget.
The amount can be reduced during the academic year
Depending on fund sufficiency, the MSC award amount is subject to decrease anytime during the academic year to cover the cost of the projected MCS awards.