InstitutionalCollegiate/Graduate Scholars
SWE · $1.6M
Open to undergraduates entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year and new or continuing graduate students.
California has the largest state financial aid program in the United States. The Cal Grant program distributes over $2 billion annually, with Cal Grant A covering tuition at UC and CSU campuses for eligible students and Cal Grant B providing a living-expense stipend plus tuition for the lowest-income students. California's FAFSA priority deadline — typically March 2 — is earlier than most states, and missing it can cost students thousands of dollars in Cal Grant funding. The Middle Class Scholarship, expanded significantly in 2024, now covers a percentage of UC/CSU tuition for families earning up to $201,000 annually. California also offers the California Dream Act for undocumented students who qualify under AB 540, providing access to Cal Grants and institutional scholarships. For student-athletes, the UC system and CSU system together host over 400 varsity sports programs spanning all three NCAA divisions, with UCLA and Stanford consistently among the top programs nationally for athletic scholarship distribution.
File your FAFSA at studentaid.gov by March 2, 2026 to maximize state aid eligibility.
These programs are available to students in every state and can be stacked with California state grants.
SWE · $1.6M
Open to undergraduates entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year and new or continuing graduate students.
Bold.org · $665.7k
$665,729
Bold.org · $543.3k
$543,303
National YoungArts Foundation · $500k
High school & college students focused on performing, visual & literary arts.
U.S. Department of Education · Up to $500k
Forgiveness program for loans of those who work full-time in qualifying public service jobs. 10 years of payments required.
Women’s Sports Foundation and ESPN · $430k
Grants aimed at increasing access and opportunity for underserved girls in sports.
Navy · $300k
Medical students including those studying pediatrics
United States Bowling Congress · $300k
Must enroll in an undergraduate program at an accredited college/university.
Bold.org · $270.4k
Khalil Mack 52 Scholars Program
Society for Science · Up to $250k
Oldest, most prestigious science competition for HS seniors.
Breakthrough Prize Foundation · $250k
Competition for students ages 13-18 to create a two-minute video explaining a big idea in physics, mathematics, or life sciences. Winner receives $250,000 scholarship plus prizes for their teacher and school.
Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
Posse Foundation · Up to $250k
Full-tuition leadership scholarship for nominated high school juniors/seniors. Students attend college in supportive cohort of 10.
Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en Génie · $250k
Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Degree, High School, Professional Development, Vocational
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation · Up to $200k
Last-dollar full-ride scholarship for minority high school seniors with exceptional academic achievement from low-income households.
National Physical Science Consortium · $156k–$200k
US citizens with a GPA of at least 3.0 and relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree holders who have been out of school for at least 12 months
American Cancer Society · $165k
Graduate Degree
Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation · $100k–$150k
Graduate Degree
American Cancer Society · $135k
Professional Development
Marshall University · $125k
First-time, full-time freshmen in all majors; recommended ACT 30, SAT 1360, GPA 3.5.
Marshall University · $125k
Open to all first-time, full-time freshmen in all majors, recommend 30 ACT, 1360 SAT, and 3.5 high school GPA.
University of Missouri – Kansas City (Henry W. Bloch School of Management) · $125k
Business management degree candidates enrolled at the school.
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine · $120k
N/A
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation · $100k
Graduate Degree, Professional Development
Goldman Philanthropic Partnerships and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund · $100k
Academic physicians continuing research at accredited medical schools.
Washington Indian Gaming Association · $100k
To promote tribal self-sufficiency by advancing student potential and broadening higher education opportunities.
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases · $50k–$100k
Fellows performing clinical research and/or translational research in a liver-related area.
Davidson Institute · $25k–$100k
Awarded to gifted and high-achieving students who have completed a significant piece of work.
Deadline: Feb 12, 2027
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) · Up to $100k
Scholarships for NCAA Division I football (85 scholarships per program). Highly competitive recruiting.
Bush Foundation · $100k
N/A
Siemens Foundation · $1k–$100k
Students competing in regional and national rounds.
| Scholarship | Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Breakthrough Junior Challenge | $250k | Sep 15, 2026 |
Cal Grant A and B income thresholds depend on family size. For a family of four, the approximate income limit for Cal Grant A is around $110,000 for dependent students, and Cal Grant B serves students from lower-income families. The Middle Class Scholarship extends aid to families earning up to $201,000.
California's FAFSA priority deadline is March 2. This is significantly earlier than many other states. Filing after March 2 can eliminate Cal Grant eligibility entirely — not just reduce it. Set a reminder and file as early as October 1 when the FAFSA opens.
Yes. California's AB 540 law and the California Dream Act allow undocumented students who attended California high schools for at least three years to apply for state financial aid, including Cal Grants and institutional scholarships at UC, CSU, and community colleges. Federal aid (Pell Grant) is not available to undocumented students.
The Middle Class Scholarship covers a percentage of UC or CSU tuition for California residents from families earning between approximately $80,000 and $201,000. The exact percentage scales down as income increases. It is not based on FAFSA but requires a separate California Student Aid Commission application.
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