Middle Class Scholarship

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is for undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential who submitted a 2024-25 FAFSA(opens in new window) or the California Dream Act Application(opens in new window) (CADAA) by May 2, 2024. (For 2025-26, the FAFSA and CADAA will open in December 2024 and the priority deadline is March 3, 2025.)

Middle Class Scholarship amounts vary according to each student’s eligibility. MCS is tied to a student's enrollment at University Census. There is not a separate application to apply for the Middle Class Scholarship - your FAFSA or CADAA also serves as your MCS application.  

Middle Class Scholarships (MCS) are typically awarded mid-semester.

For 2024-25 the income limits are as follows:

• Dependent students and Independent students with dependents other than a spouse: $226,000
• Independent students:
  • Single, no dependents: $131,000 
  • Married, no other dependents: $150,000

For 2024-25 the asset limits are as follows:

• Dependent students and independent students with dependents other than spouse: $226,000
• Independent students: $108,000

Chico State students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a California resident
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or have AB 540 student status
• Meet income and need based requirements
• Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units
• Limited to undergraduate and teaching credential programs
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not be in default on a student loan
• Must not be incarcerated

Scholarship award amounts vary by student. Award amounts are based on the cost of attendance and 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 (applied to all students)
• a parent contribution for dependent students with a household income of over $100,000.

These three factors collectively, are referred to as a students’ “available resources.” These amounts are deducted from the student’s total cost of attendance to determine the MCS award. Under this formula, award amounts will vary widely among students, with each student’s award reflecting their costs and available resources.

The final MCS award amounts for the year will be based on the number of students eligible for the Middle Class Scholarship statewide and the funding allocated by the State Budget.   

Additional Information:

For additional information about this scholarship contact our office at (530) 898-6451 or check your WebGrants 4 Students account. The California Student Aid Commission contacts students via email so it is critical that you keep this information current on your WebGrants 4 Students account.