The Middle-Class award is available to help middle-class students in the United States. The MCS provides funding for undergraduate students to attend the University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses.
The MCS program is open for new, transfer and returning undergraduate students, including students chasing a teaching credential with family incomes and assets up to $177,000 per year.
Established on March 23, 1868, the University of California has ten campuses routinely ranked among the best in the world. The UC has 160 academic disciplines, 800-degree programs, five medical centres, and three national laboratories.
California State University delivers high-quality education at far below the average cost of public university education. Established in 1857, CSU has 23 campuses and eight off-campuses.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Countries: the United States
Acceptable Course or Subjects: The program is available for undergraduate study in any subject
Admissible Criteria: Students must meet the following required criteria:
- Be a California resident attending a UC or CSU
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or have AB 540* student status
- Meet specific income/asset and other financial aid standards
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Not be in default on a student loan
- Must not be incarcerated
*AB 540 students are subject to the following qualifications:
- Attend a California high school for a minimum of 3 years or attain credits equivalent to 3 or more years of high school coursework and have a combination of 3 or more years at a California elementary or secondary school as outlined in AB 2000
- Graduate from a California high school or pass the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- Enrol in an accredited and qualified California college or university
- If applicable, fill out an affidavit stating your intent to legalize your immigration status as soon as possible
