Middle Class Scholarship

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is for undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential. 

Due to MCS awards being dependent on enrollment, we wait until after the Census date to ensure accurate awards. We anticipate on awarding MCS in late October.

For 2023/24 the income limits are as follows:

• Dependent students and Independent students with dependents other than a spouse: $217,000
• Independent students:
  • Single, no dependents: $125,000 
  • Married, no other dependents: $144,000

For 2023/24 the asset limits are as follows:

• Dependent students and Independent students with dependents other than spouse: $217,000
• Independent students: $104,000

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

Submit a FAFSA(opens in new window) or the California Dream Act Application(opens in new window) by March 2 to be considered for the Middle Class Scholarship. Middle Class Scholarships are generally awarded in October and amounts vary according to each student’s eligibility. 

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, and 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.

Middle Class Scholarships are contingent upon 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.