State Grants

Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B are awarded by the California Student Aid Commission to California residents who meet eligibility requirements and who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. In addition to submitting a financial aid application before March 2nd every year, first-time applicants must also complete and submit the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form no later than March 2nd (postmarked deadline). Cal Grant A and B awards pay UC Tuition and Student Services Fees. See the UCSC Registrar's fee schedule to determine the grant amount. Cal Grant B Access awards are $1,656 and will be applied towards the student bill unless the student requests otherwise in writing. Graduate students in the MA Education program who received a Cal Grant as an undergraduate student may apply for a 5th year of benefits. See applying for more information.

Middle-Class Scholarship (MCS) provides undergraduate students with a scholarship to attend a University of California (UC) campus. Students with family income and assets up to $201,000 may be eligible. Income and asset ceilings are different for independent students. Please refer to Middle Class Scholarship - California Student Aid Commission for additional information.

Students must meet the following requirements to be considered:

• Be a California resident
• Be FAFSA applicant eligible for federal student aid, or a DREAM Act applicant who meets the requirements for AB540 nonresident tuition exemption
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Must not be in default on a student loan

You may receive the MCS award for up to 4 years if admitted as a freshman and 2 years if admitted as a transfer. The scholarship award amounts will vary by student. Award amounts will be based on the following:

• Cost of attendance minus other available gift aid the student is eligible for, including all grants, institutional or private scholarships, fee waivers, and basic needs grants
• Minus a self-help student contribution of $7,898 (applied to all students)
• Minus 33% of parent contribution for dependent students with a household income over $100,000.

Under the above formula, award amounts will vary widely among students, with each award reflecting their net costs and available resources. CSAC will adjust MCS awards for changes in the cost of attendance, changes in any gift aid support or waiver received, and less than full-time enrollment (12 units).

For additional information about MCS, please visit  CSAC’s website.

Students with Dependent Grants of up to $6,000 are available to students who have dependent children that are under 18 years of age, and for whom they provide more than half of their financial support during the academic year. This grant is provided to Cal Grant recipients by the CA Student Aid Commission.