California Middle Class Scholarship 2027-28: Income Limit Rises to $262,000

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is California's grant for families whose income is too high for Cal Grant but who still struggle with college costs. For 2027-28, the income limit for dependent students rises to $262,000 -- up from $250,000 -- and the asset limit is also $262,000, per the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). It covers students at UC, CSU, and community college bachelor's programs, and like Cal Grant, it has no separate application.

2027-28 Middle Class Scholarship income and asset ceilings

These ceilings rise each year with California per-capita personal income, and CSAC notes they can change until the state budget passes. Compare them to Cal Grant's 2027-28 limit of $151,800 for a family of four: a family earning, say, $200,000 is over the Cal Grant line but well under MCS's.

Who's eligible

Per CSAC, you must:

• be a California resident attending a UC, CSU, or California Community College bachelor's degree program -- MCS doesn't apply at private colleges;
• be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or meet the AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption;
• fall under the income and asset ceilings for your award year;
• maintain satisfactory academic progress, not be in default on a student loan, and not be incarcerated.

Students pursuing a teaching credential are eligible too.

How much it pays

MCS has no fixed amount. CSAC calculates it from your cost of attendance minus the aid you've already been awarded, and the final amount depends on how many students qualify statewide and how much the state budget allocates. Current and former foster youth are an exception: MCS can cover their remaining cost of attendance after their own contribution and other grants. MCS lasts up to eight semesters or 12 quarters, depending on your class level when first awarded.

Deadline and timing

The FAFSA or CADAA is the application, filed by the MCS deadline, which CSAC says is "typically March 2, but could change":

For fall 2027, plan on March 2, 2027, the same date as Cal Grant's priority deadline. Your college sends enrollment data to CSAC, and selected students are notified by mid-to-late August. Track your status in WebGrants 4 Students.

What this means for you

• Families earning up to $262,000 should file the FAFSA or CADAA, even if they've assumed they won't qualify for state aid.
• It only works at public colleges. Weigh that if you're comparing a UC or CSU against a private option -- see how UC and CSU differ.
• Don't expect the award until late summer. Budget your first payment around an August notification.
• Lower income? Check whether you qualify for Cal Grant A or B first.

Sources

• Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) — California Student Aid Commission
• 2027-28 Middle Class Scholarship Income and Asset Ceilings (June 24, 2026) — CSAC
• MCS Income and Asset Ceilings — CSAC