Understanding CSULB's Middle Class Scholarship Eligibility

The California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) strives to make education accessible. The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is a key component of this effort. Funded by the state of California, the MCS aims to reduce tuition costs for eligible undergraduate students and those pursuing a teaching credential. This article breaks down the eligibility requirements, application process, and other important details related to the Middle Class Scholarship at CSULB.

What is the Middle Class Scholarship?

California's Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is a form of gift aid, meaning it doesn't need to be repaid. It helps cover a portion of tuition costs for eligible California resident undergraduate students and students seeking a teaching credential. The scholarship is designed for students who may not qualify for need-based aid but still face financial challenges in affording higher education.

Who is Eligible for the MCS at CSULB?

To be considered for the Middle Class Scholarship at CSULB, students must meet specific criteria established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). These requirements include:

Residency: Applicants must be California residents. Residency status is determined by the Office of Admissions based on established criteria, separate from residency for tax or other purposes. Generally, this requires demonstrating physical presence in California for more than one year prior to the Residence Determination Date for the term in which the application is made, combined with evidence of intent to remain in the state indefinitely.
FAFSA or CADAA Application: Students must submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the specified deadline. For priority consideration, the application should be filed between October 1 and March 2 of the relevant academic year. For example, the 2026-27 FAFSA and CADAA applications are now open, with a priority deadline of March 2, 2026.
Income and Asset Ceilings: The program targets families with moderate incomes. Income and asset ceilings are updated annually by CSAC. For the 2023-24 academic year, the family income and household asset ceiling was $217,000.
Enrollment Requirements: To be eligible for a Middle-Class Scholarship 2.0 award, students must be enrolled in at least 6 units of coursework required for their degree.
Satisfactory Academic Progress: Students must also meet their CSU campus' Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
Visa Requirements: Students must be FAFSA or CADAA applicants who do not hold a valid non-immigrant visa (F, J, H, L, A, B, C D, E, etc.)
Eligible Institution: Students must be attending a UC or CSU campus to be considered for this award.

How Much Aid Can You Receive?

The amount of the Middle Class Scholarship can vary. It is based on several factors:

Cost of Attendance: The institution's cost of attendance is a primary factor. Different campuses may have different costs of attendance, leading to varying MCS award amounts.
Other Gift Aid: Any other gift aid the student is eligible for (federal, state, institutional, or scholarship aid) is taken into account. The MCS is designed to supplement other forms of aid.
Self-Help Student Contribution: A self-help student contribution is expected, which may come from a combination of loans, work, and/or scholarships.
Parent Contribution: For dependent students with a household income over $100,000, a parent contribution is considered.

These factors collectively determine a student's “available resources.” These amounts are deducted from the student’s total cost of attendance to determine the MCS offer.

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The Application Process

Submit FAFSA/CADAA: The first step is to complete and submit the FAFSA or CADAA application by the March 2 priority deadline. To ensure CSULB receives the application information, list CSULB and the School Code 001139 on the college release section.
CSAC Eligibility Determination: The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) uses data from the FAFSA or CADAA to determine student eligibility.
Notification: Students selected to receive a Middle Class Scholarship will be notified by CSAC.
CSULB Confirmation: The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office confirms current eligibility once all other Federal, State, Institutional and outside scholarships are added to the academic year financial aid offer. This typically begins in the Fall quarter and is updated through the Winter quarter.

Important Considerations

Award Adjustments: MCS awards are subject to adjustments during the award year, even after disbursement. Changes to factors like enrollment, financial aid package, or available resources may result in a reduction or cancellation of the award.
Enrollment Impact: Final awards are impacted by the number of units a student is enrolled in. Final enrollment for a term is measured at University Census, which is the last day of the add/drop period.
Satisfactory Academic Progress: Students must meet their CSU campus' Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
Middle Class Scholarship 2.0: The state of California has modified the Middle-Class Scholarship (MCS) effective for the 2022-2023 academic year. While the name stays the same, the program has changed.
Estimated Awards: Campuses will include estimated awards in your financial aid package until final eligibility determinations are made by the California Student Aid Commission.
Withdrawing: Students who withdraw from coursework may be subject to return all or part of their Middle-Class Scholarship 2.0 award in addition to any other federal, state, or institutional aid received.
Impact of Other Aid: Any additional financial aid offers received may result in reductions or loss of MCS eligibility, including but not limited to scholarships, state/federal grants, stipends, fee waivers, etc.

Other Financial Aid Options at CSULB

Besides the Middle Class Scholarship, CSULB offers a variety of financial aid programs to assist students. These include:

Cal Grants: The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) awards Cal Grants to qualified California residents who meet minimum GPA requirements and demonstrate financial eligibility. There are two types: Cal Grant A (Entitlement Awards) and Cal Grant B (Competitive Awards). Both grants provide assistance with the State Tuition Fee and are available for up to eight semesters for students pursuing a bachelor's degree. The Cal Grant B also provides a living allowance for books and living expenses.
California Chafee Grant: This program is for eligible foster youth and former foster youth, providing up to $5,000 per year if enrolled in an eligible program.
California Dream Service Incentive Grant (CA DSIG): This grant encourages California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students with a Cal Grant B eligibility to perform community or volunteer service.
State University Grant (SUG): A state grant awarded by CSU Long Beach to California residents who have an eligible Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): EOP serves students who come from disadvantaged economic or educational backgrounds and offers grant funding.
Graduate Business Professional Fee Grant: Available to students that are assessed the CSU Graduate Business Professional Fee.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Grant (DPT Grant): Available to students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program.
Education Doctorate Grant (EdD Grant): Available to students in the Education Doctorate (Ed.D.) program.

Understanding Tuition and Fees at CSULB

It's important to understand the overall cost of attendance at CSULB when considering financial aid options.

Tuition and Fees: The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. However, tuition and fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. The CSU reserves the right to increase or modify any listed tuition or fees, even after initial payments are made. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide tuition, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun.
Payment Deadlines: Payment must be received by the due date or the student’s registration request may be cancelled; postmarks are not accepted. Payment can be satisfied by cash, check, Echeck, credit card, Financial Aid deferments, actual Financial Aid awards, approved payment plans, other approved fee deferments, approved private scholarships, approved tuition waivers, or confirmed third party sponsors.
Refunds: Regulations govern the refund of tuition and mandatory fees. In order to receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees, a student must cancel registration or drop all courses prior to the first day of instruction for the term. Details regarding Registration and Tuition Fee Refunds may be found in the online Schedule of Classes. A refund application must be filed.
Non-Refundable Fees: Late Fees, Application Fees, Disputed Credit Card Fees, Dishonored Check Fees, and Student I.D. fees are non-refundable.

Additional Financial Obligations

University offices may request that a student reimburse the University for an item that was not returned, returned late or damaged; or they may impose other charges. Until all obligations are paid, a financial hold will be placed on academic records and the student is restricted from receiving University services, including registration and grades.

Resources and Contact Information

CSULB Office of Financial Aid: Provides both financial and advisory assistance. Meeting deadlines is critical due to limited funding.
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC): Administers the Middle Class Scholarship and other state aid programs.
CSULB Dream Success Center: Provides assistance with completing the California Dream Act Application.
Student Account Services Office: Can provide general information concerning obligations. (562) 985-5471 (option 3).

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