California Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of California Scholarships & Grants

California offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in California more affordable.

Start with Cal Grant (A/B/C), Middle Class Scholarship, and campus aid at UC/CSU/CCC.

What College Scholarships and Grants Are Available in California?

California offers a wide range of scholarships and grants to help students cover the cost of tuition, fees, housing, and other college expenses. These programs are available through the state government, California-based colleges, and private organizations, with many targeted toward California residents attending in-state schools.

Major grants and scholarships available in California include:

• Cal Grant Program: A flagship financial aid program offering need-based awards to California residents. Students must complete the FAFSA or CADAA and meet GPA and income requirements. Awards vary based on the type of college:
  • Cal Grant A: For students attending a four-year college; covers full systemwide tuition and fees (up to $12,570 per year for UC schools).
  • Cal Grant B: For low-income students; provides up to $1,648 in the first year and full tuition in subsequent years, plus living expenses.
  • Cal Grant C: For students enrolled in career or technical education programs; offers up to $1,094 for books and supplies.
• Middle Class Scholarship (MCS): Offers partial tuition support to undergraduate students from middle-income families (up to $217,000 annual income) attending University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses. Awards vary based on need and cost of attendance.
• Chafee Grant for Foster Youth: Provides up to $5,000 annually for eligible foster youth attending college or career training in California. No GPA requirement.
• California Dream Act & CADAA Grants: Undocumented and non-citizen students who qualify under AB 540 can apply for Cal Grants and other aid through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
• Private & Local Scholarships: California community foundations, nonprofits, and companies (like Edison International or the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley) offer additional scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000+. Many target specific majors, demographics, or regions within the state.

How to apply:

• Submit the FAFSA or CADAA by the March 2nd deadline
• Complete the GPA Verification Form for Cal Grants (your school may submit this for you)
• Research and apply for local and private scholarships throughout the year

Tip: Many California scholarships are renewable and stackable—meaning you can combine multiple awards to reduce your total college cost significantly.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Students in California?

California high school students have access to a wide range of scholarships based on merit, financial need, community involvement, and career interests. These scholarships are offered by state programs, nonprofits, professional associations, and local businesses to help graduating seniors transition to college.

Top scholarships for high school students in California include:

• California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship: Awards $2,500–$1,500 to high school seniors who write an essay on financial literacy. Open to all California residents attending college in the U.S.
• Horatio Alger California Scholarship: Provides $10,000 to students who have overcome adversity and demonstrated leadership. Must have financial need and a GPA of 2.0+.
• The California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship: Awards $5,000 to California students who demonstrate academic achievement and a commitment to their community. Open to all majors and backgrounds.
• PG&E Better Together STEM Scholarships: Offers up to $10,000 per year to high school seniors planning to major in STEM fields at an accredited California college or university.
• Dream Act/AB 540 Students: Eligible undocumented students can apply for Cal Grants, private scholarships, and institutional aid through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Tip: Start early—many California-based scholarships open applications between October and March. Focus on leadership, volunteering, and personal essays that highlight your goals and impact in your community.

Are There Scholarships for College Students in California?

Yes, California college students can access a variety of scholarships designed to support them through undergraduate and graduate education. These include state-funded grants, university-specific awards, and private scholarships based on academic achievement, major, identity, or financial need.

Popular scholarships for enrolled California college students include:

• Chafee Grant for Foster Youth: Offers up to $5,000 per year to current or former foster youth attending college or career training. Must be under 26 and enrolled at least half-time.
• Middle Class Scholarship (MCS): Available to students attending a UC or CSU with family incomes up to $217,000. Awards vary but help cover a portion of tuition and fees.
• Institutional Scholarships: Universities like Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and USC offer generous need-based and merit-based awards through their financial aid offices. Apply for university-specific scholarships through the school’s portal or admissions process.
• Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship: Open to community college students transferring to a four-year institution. Offers up to $55,000 per year and is available to California students with exceptional academic records and financial need.
• Local Community Foundation Scholarships: Many regions in California (e.g., Orange County, San Diego, Bay Area) have scholarship programs that fund students from specific counties or with specific career interests.

Pro Tip: Use your college’s scholarship portal, financial aid office, and local nonprofits to discover awards you may be uniquely eligible for—especially those with low competition due to regional focus or niche eligibility.

Are There Grants for Community College Students in California?

Yes, California offers several grant programs specifically for students attending community colleges. These grants help cover tuition and other educational costs, making two-year degrees and transfer pathways more affordable for California residents.

Key grants for community college students include:

• California College Promise Grant (CCPG): Formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver, this grant waives enrollment fees (currently $46/unit) for eligible students at California community colleges. There is no minimum GPA for initial eligibility, though continuing students must maintain academic progress.
• Cal Grant B & C: Community college students can receive:
  • Cal Grant B: Provides up to $1,648 annually for living expenses in the first year of college. Students may receive more after transferring to a four-year institution.
  • Cal Grant C: Offers up to $1,094 for books and supplies for students enrolled in career education programs.

  To qualify, students must submit the FAFSA or CADAA and a GPA verification by the March 2 priority deadline—or the September 2 community college deadline.

• Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG): Offers up to $8,000 per year to full-time Cal Grant B or C recipients at California community colleges who complete 15+ units per term. This grant rewards students for staying on track to complete their degrees.

How to apply:

• Submit the FAFSA or CADAA (for undocumented AB 540 students)
• Apply through your community college’s financial aid office or the CCCApply portal

Tip: These grants are stackable and do not need to be repaid. Even part-time students may qualify for prorated amounts.

Are There Scholarships for International Students in California?

Yes, international students attending California colleges and universities may be eligible for merit-based scholarships, institutional awards, and private scholarships—even though they are generally not eligible for federal or state financial aid.

Top scholarships for international students in California include:

• Global Citizen Scholarship – San Diego State University: Offers merit-based awards to international undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement.
• UCLA International Student Scholarships: While UCLA does not offer need-based aid to international students, some departments provide merit-based awards and research scholarships. Students should also check with the UCLA Dashew Center for international-specific opportunities.
• University of Southern California (USC) Merit Scholarships: Offers partial tuition scholarships (such as the Dean’s Scholarship) to international students based on academic achievement, leadership, and artistic talent.
• International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) Database: A scholarship search platform specifically for international students, featuring awards from California-based organizations and institutions.
• Community College Foundation Scholarships: Some California community colleges offer scholarships for international students through their foundations. Examples include Santa Monica College and Foothill-De Anza College District.

Tips for international students applying for scholarships:

• Check with the admissions or international student office at your college—they often maintain a list of available awards.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, or a unique global perspective in your personal statement.
• Apply early—some merit-based awards are granted during the admissions process.

Note: While international students generally cannot receive Cal Grants or the California College Promise Grant, they are often eligible for private and institutional scholarships with no citizenship requirement.