This will be an ongoing process during fall 2023 and will continue into winter 2024 as we continue working with CSAC to verify students' eligibility. If you find that your accepted MCS amount is different than your previously estimated amount, please review your MyAwards for additional aid that may have resulted in a reduction in your MCS amount. Changes in the cost of attendance and/or enrollment could also cause a reduction.
California's Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is gift aid that pays up to 40 percent of tuition for California resident undergraduate students and for those seeking a teaching credential who meet maximum income and asset ceilings. Students must be FAFSA or CADAA applicants and must be attending a UC or CSU campus to be considered for this award. Income and asset ceilings are updated annually and posted by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Offered amounts will be based on the institution's cost of attendance and the following:
- Any other gift aid for which the student is eligible (i.e., federal, state, institutional, or scholarship aid)
- A self-help student contribution of $7,898 (applied to all students) through a combination of loans, work, and/or scholarships
- A parent contribution for dependent students with a household income of over $100,000
These three factors collectively are referred to as a student’s “available resources.” These amounts are deducted from the student’s total cost of attendance to determine the MCS offer. Under this formula, offered amounts will vary widely among students, with each offer reflecting their costs and available resources. Your final amount will be determined after we have verified your eligibility.
Disbursement Information
The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is unit-sensitive aid and will be disbursed each quarter based on enrolled units.
| Enrollment Status | Units | % Disburse |
|---|---|---|
| Less than Half-time | Less than 6 | 0% |
| Half-time | 6 - 8.5 | 50% |
| Three-quarter time | 9 - 11.5 | 75% |
| Full-time | 12 or more | 100% |
For more information please visit Disbursement and Direct Deposit and Changes That May Affect Your Aid.
Award Notification
Once the MCS offer is processed, students will receive an email to review MyAwards. Please note, that this program is contingent upon state funding. Qualifying maximum annual household assets and income are subject to change.