This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for California, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.
We currently have 114 scholarships in our database tagged for California. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.
Across our Top 14 California Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $67,000. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.
California offers one of the most comprehensive state aid systems in the U.S., anchored by the Cal Grant program, which can fully or partially cover tuition at UC, CSU, or qualifying private institutions. Students attending community college can benefit from the California College Promise Grant, which waives tuition entirely for eligible residents. The Middle Class Scholarship bridges remaining gaps for many families whose income is too high for Pell but not high enough to pay out of pocket. With more than 100 community colleges and many regional foundations, California also has an enormous amount of local scholarship funding. The smartest approach for California students is to file the FAFSA or CADAA early, apply to at least one UC/CSU and one community college, and aggressively pursue campus and local awards that stack well with Cal Grant and Promise.
The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best California scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.
The Macy’s Emergency Scholarship Fund, a partnership between LNESC and Macy’s, provides immediate financial assistance to full-time college students facing unexpected economic hardship that could prevent them from completing classes or their degree program. Funds are intended for tuition and
Award: $500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
The Markowski-Leach Scholarship is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing post-secondary education at select California universities. Established through a bequest from the estate of Jim Leach and Tom Markowski, the scholarship aims to assist in the education of LGBTQ+ individuals
Award: $2,500 Deadline: March Est. Time: Low (~13 min)
The National Rainbow College Fund (NRCF) Scholarship is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing higher education by providing financial assistance and fostering a sense of community. The scholarship is open to various categories of students, including high school seniors, incoming
Award: $2,500 Deadline: March Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
10,000 Degrees is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students from low-income backgrounds achieve their educational goals. They offer scholarships primarily to students in the Bay Area, California, and Utah. The scholarships are available to high school seniors, undergraduate, and
Award: $1,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~10 min)
The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) provides undergraduate students, including those pursuing a teaching credential, with financial aid to attend the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), or participating California Community Colleges (CCC) offering bachelor's degree programs. Students with
Award: $217,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth provides up to $5,000 annually to eligible current or former foster youth to assist with college or career and technical training expenses. The grant can be used at any eligible California college, university,
Award: $5,000 Deadline: July Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
The Aerosmith Scholarship is a merit-based award established to support outstanding students pursuing a major in Music Business/Management at Berklee College of Music. This scholarship reflects Aerosmiths commitment to fostering new talent in the music industry and aims to alleviate
Award: Varies Deadline: June Est. Time: Med (~68 min)
The Royal Business Bank Scholarship is designed for high school seniors planning to enroll in a U.S.-accredited college or university in the upcoming Fall semester. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, with a household income at or below the County Low
Award: $1,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~86 min)
The Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship supports high school seniors planning to attend a U.S.-accredited college or university in the upcoming Fall semester. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, with a household income at or below the Low Income Level, and provide
Award: $2,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~60 min)
The California State University (CSU) Grant Program provides need-based financial assistance to undergraduate and teaching credential students who are California residents. This grant is designed to help students cover the cost of tuition fees at any of the 23 CSU
Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
If you're planning to attend one of the University of California campuses, you're in luck! The UC system offers a broad range of scholarships aimed at both undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships recognize students based on academic merit, financial
Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~13 min)
HACE and Café Bustelo are giving away more than $45,000 in college scholarships to qualified students. This is a great non-GPA based scholarship opportunity for all qualifying college students. All applicants must be a legal resident of the United States,
Award: $5,000 Deadline: January Est. Time: High (~103 min)This comprehensive collection of California scholarships and grants for the 2026 - 2027 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best California scholarship opportunities.
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:
How to apply:
Tip: Many California scholarships are renewable and stackable—meaning you can combine multiple awards to reduce your total college cost significantly.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
How to apply:
Tip: These grants are stackable and do not need to be repaid. Even part-time students may qualify for prorated amounts.
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:
Tips for international students applying for scholarships:
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.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
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