The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) helps undergraduates and some teaching-credential students at UC, CSU, and community colleges with eligible bachelor’s programs. CSAC combines FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) with campus information. There is no flat amount: attendance cost, other grants, calculated contributions, and funding matter.
For 2026–27, CSU’s published ceilings include up to $250,000 for dependent students and certain students with dependents. Independent students without dependents have lower, separate limits by marital status; for example, $144,000 income and $119,000 assets if single. These are technical categories, not a simple gross-salary cutoff.
Eligibility requires state residency or qualifying AB 540 status, an approved campus/program, at least six degree units, and satisfactory progress. The state priority date was March 2, 2026; community colleges had through September 2. Both dates have passed. FAFSA and CADAA have their own calendars, so do not confuse state and federal dates.
CSAC calculates aid after Pell and other scholarships; awards can vary by campus and change when updated data arrives. Check WebGrants 4 Students and ask whether the offer is final and which fees remain. Do not apply a CSU formula to UC or another campus without confirmation.
If you filed on time, review notices and tasks. If not, ask about campus spring funds and prepare for 2027–28. The MCS profile explains the ceilings, and the CSAC profile links to applications.
Before budgeting, request a written offer separating tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, books, and transportation. State grants often reduce only eligible charges and may change after Pell or other scholarships are applied. Do not commit money based on a chart maximum.
Your campus office should confirm missing documents, institutional eligibility, and disbursement timing. The program profile expands on the criteria; the public-agency profile links to applications, deadlines, and official help.
Middle Class Scholarship — California State University.
MCS Grant Operations Memos — California Student Aid Commission.
2026–27 Income and Asset Ceilings — CSAC.
CSAC — California Student Aid Commission.
Research checked on October 12, 2026 against official or institutional sources. Past deadlines are identified, and eligibility is distinguished from an actual award. Confirm the cycle, your file, and available funds with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
MCS is calculated after other aid and varies by campus; confirm your category, deadline, and award in WebGrants.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)
Variable award at UC/CSU and some community-college bachelor’s programs after other aid.
State scholarship calculated using need and cost of attendance
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Administers FAFSA/CADAA, WebGrants, and state scholarships such as MCS.
State commission administering student grants and scholarships
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California State University · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
CSAC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
CSU · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) ↗
Primary source
CSAC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
CSAC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) ↗
Primary source
CSU · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.