We are pleased to inform you guys that California’s middle class scholarship disbursement date is now on. Rush now and apply!
stay tuned fir California middle class scholarship disbursement (MCS) updates and all the things you need to know about the MCS.
An overview of Middle Class Scholarship Disbursement (MCS)
California middle class scholarship disbursement is for Undergraduates and Students Pursuing a Teaching Credential.
The Scholarship is for undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential with family income and assets up to $217,000.
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California Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is a gift aid that pays up to 40% of tuition for California resident undergraduate students and for those seeking a teaching credential who meet maximum income and asset ceilings up to $217,000.
Candidate must be FAFSA or CADAA applicants and must be attending a UC or CSU campus to be considered eligible for this award.
The MCS income and asset ceilings are updated annually and posted by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
However, the 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 (such as federal, state, institutional, or scholarship aid)
- A self-help student contribution of $7,898 (applied to all students) via a combination of loans, work, and/or scholarships,
- A parent contribution for dependent students/children with a household income of over $100,000.
The above three (3) factors collectively are referred to as a student’s “available resources.” These monies 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.
Note that your final amount will be determined after your eligibility is verified.
Middle Class Scholarship
Middle Class Scholarship Disbursement Eligibility Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements:
- be a California resident attending a UC, CSU or CA Community College Bachelor’s degree program; be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or meet the requirements for non-resident tuition exemption;
- meet certain income/asset and other financial aid standards;
- maintain satisfactory academic progress;
- not be in default on a student loan; and
- must not be incarcerated.
Middle Class Scholarship Disbursement Date and Other Information
Note that 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% |
Beginning on October 1st to March 2nd deadline, students may complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Application Timeline For The 2024-2025 Middle Class Scholarship
When will the 2024-2025 FAFSA application become available?
- Late December 2023
- To learn more about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and how to apply please visit our FAFSA webpage.
However, for the 2024/2025 application year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will undergo changes relating to the FAFSA Simplification Act enacted into law.
The changes to the FAFSA will affect the information requested from students and their families, as well as the potential eligibility of grant and loan aid for applicants during the 2024-2025 academic year.
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For further details on the 2024-2025 application year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and eligibility information, go to CSUF financial aid webpage.
Also, note that on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees approved a multi-year tuition increase beginning the 2024-2025 academic year. Moreso, the tuition increase will be implemented for all 23 CSU campuses.
Middle Class Scholarship Award Notification
Students will receive an email to examine MyAwards once their MCS offer has been processed. Please keep in mind that this program is subject to state funding. The maximum annual household assets and income for qualification are subject to change.
Ten things you need to know About Middle Class Scholarship Disbursement Date
- The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) offers undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with a scholarship to attend a University of California (UC), California State University (CSU) or California Community College Bachelor’s degree program. Students with family income and assets up to to $217,000 are eligible.
- Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- be a California resident attending a UC, CSU or CA Community College Bachelor’s degree program;
- be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or meet the requirements for non-resident tuition exemption;
- maintain satisfactory academic progress;
- meet certain income/asset and other financial aid standards;
- not be in default on a student loan;
- and must not be incarcerated;
- Students may receive the MCS award for up to 4 years depending on education level when awarded.
- DACA (including those who lost DACA or never applied for DACA), are advised to complete the CA Dream Act Application.
- After students submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, they are encouraged to open a WebGrants 4 Students account to track their state financial aid. The WebGrants 4 Students website is secured and provides easy access to review your awarding status.
- To get assistance completing the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, students are encouraged to attend a free Cash for College workshop in their community starting on October 1st, but before the March 2nd application deadline. However, students must re-apply each year.
- Students selected to receive an MCS award will be notified by the California Student Aid Commission, usually in July or August via email. However, Community College students, enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program, will be notified by their school at different times of the year, dependent on when MCS awards are processed.
- Scholarship amounts will differ depending on the student and the school. The award amount will be determined by the cost of attendance at the student’s preferred school as well as 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 (applicable to all students), and a parent contribution for dependent students with a household income of $100,000 or more. The above three criteria are referred to collectively as a student’s “available resources.” The MCS grant is calculated by subtracting these sums from the student’s total cost of attendance. The award amounts will vary greatly across students under this formula, with each student’s payout reflecting their costs and available resources.
- Final MCS award amounts for the year will be based on the number of students eligible for the program statewide and the funding allocated by the State Budget. A percentage (%) may be applied each year to ensure it match the annual state appropriation for the program. Note, Pursuant to Education Code section 70023, MCS award amounts may be reduced at any time during the academic year if it’s determined that the funds appropriated are insufficient to cover the cost of the projected MCS awards.
- However,for more information about this scholarship, contact your UC, CSU or CA Community College financial aid office or check your WebGrants 4 Students account.
Important Updates
- The 2024-25 Continuing Students Scholarship application is now open through January 10, 2024. Apply today!
- The 2024-25 FAFSA and CADAA applications will open in December 2023.
- Visit Apply for Financial Aid for details.
- For California Middle Class Scholarship updates, please visit MCS.
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