Are you a student from California looking for ways to make college more affordable? Or maybe you’re planning to move there for college and are wondering what kind of financial help you can get. Either way, California scholarships might be a great option for you.
Why?
The cost of college in California can be high! According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a four-year degree from a public California college is $24,925 for in-state students and $32,967 for out-of-state students. For private colleges, the average cost for a four-year degree is $58,515.
Financial aid may help, but it’s often not enough to cover the full cost. Applying for scholarships gives you access to additional funding that you don’t have to pay back.
This guide will walk you through what you need to know about California scholarships. You’ll find:
What California scholarships are
How to find California scholarships
A list of 35 scholarships for California students
Information on the Middle Class Scholarship and Cal Grants
What are California scholarships?
Just to make sure we cover the basics: California scholarships are financial awards designed to help students who live in, attend, or plan to attend college in California. These scholarships don’t have to be repaid, which makes them a great way to reduce the cost of college.
Who sponsors the scholarships?
Some California scholarships come directly from the state government. Others are offered by individual colleges, nonprofits, community foundations, or private donors who want to support students in specific regions or with specific backgrounds, goals, or interests.
How to find California scholarships
The easiest way you can find California scholarships is by searching online scholarship databases and checking with your school counselor (And we’ll offer a list of scholarships in the next section to get your search started).
For example, you might start by browsing platforms like Bold.org or Fastweb, and then narrow your search by location, major, or identity.
You might also consider looking into local organizations like community foundations or professional associations that offer scholarships in specific regions or fields.
(Pro tip: Local scholarships are frequently the best use of your scholarship time, since they’ll have far fewer applicants than massive scholarships like, say, the Coca Cola Scholarship.)
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 35 California scholarships below!
List of 35 California scholarships
1. Patriots Path Scholarship
This scholarship supports JROTC and ROTC cadets who are planning to attend college in California. If you’re a student committed to leadership, service, and discipline, this could be a great opportunity to help fund your education.
Amount: $1,000
2. Brian (Animal) Shaw Memorial Scholarship
Created in memory of Brian “Animal” Shaw, this California scholarship is for high school senior wrestlers who reflect his values of strength, perseverance, and compassion. To apply, you must be planning to continue wrestling in college. You must also submit an essay about your educational goals, leadership experiences, and community involvement.
Amount: $1,600
3. D’Andre J. Brown Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors D’Andre J. Brown, a devoted husband and father who continued his education while battling cancer. High school seniors in California with at least a 3.0 are eligible for this scholarship. To apply, you must submit an essay about a time you overcame adversity and what you learned from the experience.
Amount: $555
4. Lori Nethaway Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors Lori Nethaway, a public school teacher who empowered young women to pursue their goals and passions. The scholarship is for female high school seniors in California who will be the first in their family to attend college. To apply, you must write a short essay about how you plan to use your education and give back to your community.
Amount: $1,000
5. Noam Nicholson Memorial Scholarship
Created in memory of Noam Nicholson, this scholarship supports students from California, Washington state, or Tennessee pursuing a degree in optometry. If you're passionate about mental health, community service, and social impact, this award encourages you to carry forward that mission. To apply, you must write an essay about how mental health has impacted your education and how you hope to improve mental health in optometry.
Amount: $1,100
6. Linda Kay Monroe Whelan Memorial Education Scholarship
This scholarship honors the memory of Linda Kay Monroe Whelman, a dedicated public servant from Riverside, California. The award supports low-income high school seniors who volunteer in their communities and plan to pursue a college degree in education. To apply, you must write an essay about why you give back to your community and what you plan to do with your education.
Amount: $1,000
7. Leadership in Action Scholarship
This scholarship uplifts BIPOC students who take initiative and lead in their schools or communities. The award is exclusively for undergraduate students at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). To apply, you must write a short essay describing how your leadership or activism promotes equity and serves students at CSUF.
Amount: $500
8. Nicholas Murillo Foundation Scholarship
If you're a Hispanic or Latin American student with autism pursuing a career in music, this scholarship is for you. It's a way to honor the life of Nicholas Murillo and support students in California or Nevada who share his passion for music. To apply, you must write an essay about how your autism diagnosis has affected you and how it has impacted your education.
Amount: $500
9. Gone & Here Annual Scholarship
This scholarship supports students in California, ages 18 to 35, who have lost a sibling to suicide. If that’s part of your story, this award honors your resilience and helps you continue your education while raising awareness about mental health. To apply, you must write an essay about your experience navigating the grief and how you hope to use your education.
Amount: $1,000
10. California Groundwater Association Scholarship
Interested in geology, hydrology, or environmental science? This scholarship supports California students who want to build a career in groundwater-related fields that keep our ecosystems and communities healthy. To apply, you must submit an essay demonstrating your interest in groundwater technology or a related field of study.
Amount: $2,000–$4,000
11. NCJW|LA Cash for Learning Opportunities Program
This flexible scholarship offers direct cash assistance to low- and moderate-income female students who are single or head of household in Los Angeles, California. It can help you cover essential school costs, whether that's tuition, books, or something else that helps you stay enrolled. Awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis to those who meet all the eligibility requirements.
Amount: $1,000–$3,000
12. Macy's Emergency Scholarship Fund
If you’re facing a sudden financial hardship that could disrupt your education (e.g., a job loss or family emergency), this scholarship can help cover your immediate needs. It's available to full-time college students in good standing who just need a little extra support to stay on track. You must be a resident of California, Florida, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Puerto Rico, or Texas. To apply, you also must write an essay describing your immediate financial need and a detailed budget for the amount of funds requested.
Amount: $500
13. Christopher Mark Pitkin Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is for students with hemophilia or a family member with a bleeding disorder. To apply, you must be a resident of Southern California and plan to attend a trade school, technical school, college, or graduate school program.
Amount: $1,000
14. Alpha Zeta Theta Xi Milner Scholarship
If you’re a UCLA sophomore and California resident with financial need, this scholarship could help lighten your tuition costs. To apply, you must submit a resume with information about your fraternity and intramural sports involvement. You must also provide information for someone who can write a reference letter on your behalf.
Amount: $3,500
15. Helen Matthewson Memorial Endowed Scholarship
This UCLA scholarship supports full-time undergraduate students who are California residents with financial need. The scholarship committee gives preference to partially self-supporting continuing, transfer, or re-entry students with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Amount: $3,000
16. Cal Poly Alumni Association – Central California Region Scholarship
If you're from Kings or Tulare counties and headed to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, this alumni-funded scholarship could help you cover costs. It’s awarded to students with academic promise, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and leadership skills. There are also similar alumni scholarships for students from the East Bay, Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Greater Monterey Bay.
Amount: Varies
17. 805 Scholarship
The 805 Scholarship is for students planning to study a health and fitness-related field at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. It supports incoming freshmen from San Luis Obispo or northern Santa Barbara County.
Amount: Varies
18. California Scottish Rite Foundation Youth Fund
The California Scottish Rite Foundation Youth Fund provides several scholarships to members of the DeMolay youth organization in California. To be eligible, you must also be a California resident, have a 3.0 GPA, and plan on enrolling in a full-time degree program.
Amount: Varies
19. The Regents' Scholarship
The University of California (UC) schools offer this prestigious merit-based award to top California residents entering as freshmen. If you’re academically outstanding and admitted to one of the UCs, you’ll automatically be considered. The scholarship also automatically renews each year as long as you maintain a minimum of a 3.25 cumulative GPA and stay enrolled full-time.
Amount: Varies
20. The Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship
Awarded by UC Irvine, this scholarship recognizes incoming California students who show exceptional academic and leadership potential. There's no separate application. It’s based on your UC application. The scholarship is renewable for one consecutive year as long as you maintain a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA and stay enrolled full-time.
Amount: Varies
21. CSUN Graduate Equity Program
If you're a California resident pursuing a master’s degree at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), this program provides financial support to help you complete your degree. It aims to assist students from underserved backgrounds. You must have a minimum of a 3.25 GPA to be eligible. You must also write a personal statement and request a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or employer to apply.
Amount: $2,000–$4,000
22. SDSU Economics Scholarships
If you’re admitted to San Diego State University (SDSU) and planning to major in economics, you can apply for several merit-based scholarships for incoming students showing strong academic performance. Each scholarship has unique requirements, so check the link below for more information.
Amount: Varies
23. SDSU Center for Asian & Pacific Studies Scholarships
SDSU also offers several scholarships for students interested in Asian & Pacific Studies. Each scholarship has unique requirements, so check the link below for more information.
Amount: Varies
24. The Joseph Patrick Allen Endowed Scholarship
You may qualify for this scholarship if you're a University of Southern California (USC) student entering your junior year in the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. The scholarship committee looks for students with strong academics, demonstrated financial need, and a track record of leadership and involvement on campus and in their communities. A letter of recommendation from a USC Dornsife faculty member is also required.
Amount: Varies
25. Trojan Guild of Orange County Scholarship
This scholarship supports USC undergraduate students who reside in Orange County and maintain a strong academic standing. To be eligible, you must have completed at least one semester at USC and be enrolled full-time.
Amount: Varies
26. UNICO Foundation Scholarships
For students of Italian descent, UNICO National offers several scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies. To be eligible, you must either live in or be sponsored by a UNICO Chapter or District located in one of the following states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, or Wisconsin. Each scholarship also has unique additional requirements. Check the link below for more information.
Amount: Varies
27. Electric Cycle Studio Student Athlete Scholarship
Are you a high school senior in California balancing schoolwork and sports? This scholarship recognizes student athletes who show dedication, resilience, and leadership both on the field and in the classroom. To apply, you will write a short essay about how you demonstrate those qualities in your daily life.
Amount: $1,000
Apply here!
28. Mark L. Williams Scholarship
This scholarship honors a beloved high school English teacher who believed in the power of education and creativity in the classroom. It’s open to high school seniors from Redondo Beach, Lomita, Torrance, Lawndale, Wilmington, El Segundo, or Manhattan Beach, California, who plan to attend college or trade school. In your application, you’ll reflect on a teacher who made a lasting impact on your life.
Amount: $500
Apply here!
29. Hacia Delante! Scholarship
This scholarship supports undocumented undergraduate students in California who are working toward a brighter future through education. To apply, you must write a short essay about how your education will help your community move forward.
Amount: $500
30. Marcus Stroman Scholarship
This scholarship supports low-income high school seniors from Pasadena or Altadena, California, whose families were impacted by the 2025 wildfires. To apply, you'll need to write an essay and submit a short video about your dream college and how the wildfires have shaped your goals.
Amount: $25,000
31. Hot Jazz Jubilee Music Scholarship
If you're a California high school senior or undergraduate student planning to study music in college, this scholarship could help support your goals. To apply, you must write an essay about your journey with music, future goals, and interest in jazz.
Amount: $1,500
32. ACHE Southern California LIFT Scholarship
If you are studying health administration, public health, or nursing in California, especially in Southern California, this scholarship can help support your education. To apply, you will need to submit two short personal statements about your goals, leadership experience, and how your values align with ACHE of Southern California’s mission.
Amount: $500
33. Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship
This scholarship from the Better Business Bureau rewards high school students who show strong ethical character and decision-making. If you live in Southern California and are in grades 9 through 12, you can apply by writing an essay about an ethical dilemma you’ve faced and how you responded.
Amount: $1,500
34. Greenhouse Scholars Program
This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors from California and a few other states who demonstrate financial need, strong leadership, and a commitment to community. If selected, you’ll gain access to a network of support that goes beyond funding and includes mentorship and leadership development.
Amount: Varies
35. Karl Pister Leadership Opportunity Award
This scholarship is for students transferring from one of 13 participating community colleges to UC Santa Cruz. It’s designed for students who have overcome significant financial or personal challenges and are committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
Amount: $20,000
Learn more here!
The California Middle Class Scholarship
The California Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is a state-funded scholarship that helps make college more affordable for California families who might not qualify for traditional need-based aid but still feel the financial strain of college costs.
It's for undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential who attend a University of California, California State University, or a California Community College that offers a bachelor's degree program.
To be eligible, you must demonstrate financial need, be a California resident, stay in good academic standing, and complete either the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by the annual deadline.
Award amounts vary depending on factors like your school’s cost of attendance, other financial aid you receive, and your family’s expected contribution. Students can qualify for up to four years of support, and you’ll need to reapply each year.
Cal Grants
Cal Grants are one of the most well-known forms of state financial aid in California. They provide need-based funding to eligible students attending any University of California, California State University, or California Community College. You can also use these grants at qualifying career colleges and technical schools in California.
There are three main types: Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B, and Cal Grant C. Each one has different eligibility requirements. To be considered, you’ll need to submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, along with a verified GPA, by the state deadline.
You can learn more at csac.ca.gov.
FAQ on California scholarships
Do I have to attend a college in California to apply for a California scholarship?
Not always.
Some California scholarships are open to residents attending out-of-state schools, but many require you to attend a UC, CSU, or other in-state college. Always check each scholarship’s eligibility rules to be sure.
Can I get a CA scholarship if I just moved to the state?
It depends on the scholarship. Some require California residency for at least a year or more, while others focus on where you attend school.
If you’re new to the state, read the scholarship requirements carefully.
What are scholarship essays supposed to be like?
If you want to check out some example scholarship essays, head to that guide.
Final thoughts
Paying for college can feel overwhelming. But you do not have to do it alone. California offers scholarships for student athletes, artists, future teachers, first-generation students, and more.
Some of the scholarship applications require essays, others do not. Some are big, some are small. But together, they can make a real difference.
If you’re looking for help with writing your scholarship essays, check out this resource next: How to Write a Scholarship Essay: Complete Guide + Examples.
Ameer Drane is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
