If you’re looking for ways to pay for college, scholarships can help reduce the financial burden of tuition, books, and living expenses. Many scholarships in California are available for high school students, undergraduate students, and graduate students based on financial need, academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and intended major.
This guide covers federal, state, local, and nonprofit scholarships to help you find the right funding. You’ll also discover the best online resources to search for scholarship opportunities and learn how to apply successfully.
Federal Scholarships and Grants for California Students
Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a need-based financial aid program provided by the federal government to help undergraduate students cover tuition and other educational expenses. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid.
Eligibility is based on:
Financial need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Enrollment in an eligible degree program
Half-time or full-time student status
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG provides additional grant money to students with the greatest financial need. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early is important.
Scholarships from the U.S. Department of Education
Several federal scholarship programs support students pursuing higher education in specific fields such as STEM, teaching, and healthcare. You can find and apply for these scholarships through the Federal Student Aid website and your school’s financial aid office.
State Scholarships and Grants in California
Cal Grant Program
The Cal Grant Program is one of the largest financial aid programs for California students. It provides free scholarship money for students enrolled in California community colleges, state universities, and private institutions.
Types of Cal Grants:
Cal Grant A – Helps cover tuition at four-year universities
Cal Grant B – Provides funds for low-income students, including first-year college expenses
Cal Grant C – Supports students in career and technical education programs
To qualify, you must meet the eligibility requirements, including California residency, minimum GPA, and financial need. Applications are submitted through FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application.
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)
The MCS provides financial aid to students attending California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) schools who do not qualify for Cal Grants but still need help paying tuition.
Awards are based on:
Family income and assets
Tuition costs at CSU and UC schools
Enrollment in an undergraduate degree program
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
This grant helps current and former foster youth with college expenses. Eligible students can receive up to $5,000 per year to help with tuition, fees, books, and housing costs.
To apply, students must:
Be current or former foster youth
Be enrolled in an eligible college or career program
Submit a Chafee Grant Application and FAFSA
Local and Community-Based Scholarships
California Community College Scholarships
Many California community colleges offer scholarships to help students cover tuition, books, and other expenses. These scholarships can be based on:
Academic excellence
Financial need
Intended major
Students should check with their school’s financial aid office for available scholarship opportunities.
City and County-Specific Scholarships
Some cities and counties in California offer local scholarships to support high school students and undergraduate students attending college. Examples include:
Los Angeles County Scholarships – Available for low-income students and minority students
San Diego Foundation Scholarships – Offers funding for students pursuing higher education
San Francisco Bay Area Scholarships – Various community-based scholarships for California residents
Nonprofit and Private Scholarships in California
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
This scholarship provides full college funding for outstanding minority students with financial need. It covers tuition, books, and living expenses for students pursuing higher education.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
The HSF provides scholarship money to California students of Hispanic heritage. Awards are based on:
Academic excellence
Financial need
Community involvement
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF)
This program provides funding for eligible students from Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Awards range from $2,500 to $20,000.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
This competitive scholarship offers full tuition coverage for high-achieving high school students from low-income backgrounds.
How to Find California Scholarships Online
Best Online Search Tools for Scholarships
Searching for scholarships in California is easier with online databases. Some of the best platforms include:
Fastweb – Matches students with scholarship opportunities based on eligibility requirements
Scholarships.com – A large database of California scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students
Appily – Provides personalized scholarship recommendations based on student profiles
CareerOneStop – Government search tool for thousands of available scholarships
Applying for Scholarships: What You Need to Know
When applying for scholarships, be prepared to submit:
Transcripts showing academic performance
Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or employers
Personal statements or essays explaining your background and goals
Make sure to check application deadlines and follow instructions carefully to increase your chances of being awarded scholarship money.
Making College More Affordable with Scholarships
Paying for college doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With so many scholarships in California available, you can reduce tuition costs and ease the financial burden of higher education. Whether you’re a high school student, undergraduate, or graduate student, there are opportunities based on financial need, academic excellence, and intended major.
Start by researching federal, state, local, and nonprofit scholarships, and make sure to apply early. Check with your financial aid office, use online scholarship search tools, and gather the necessary documents to submit strong applications. The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances of securing free college money to support your education.
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