California Scholarships
Key takeaways:
- Some California scholarships have specific eligibility criteria such as residency in particular counties, while some are available for residence throughout the entire state.
- California scholarships can be merit-based, which consider academic achievements, need-based, which depend on an applicants’ financial situation, or a combination of the two.
- There are a wide range of scholarships available for students who attend a college or university in California, those who are residents of California, or both.
In 2024, the average cost an in-state student must pay to attend a public 4-year institution in California was $24,925 per year. Many students are unable to afford such high costs even after receiving federal financial aid. Luckily, Scholarships.com can help you find the best California scholarships available.
The 25 Best California Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2025
What are California Scholarships?
California scholarships are scholarships given to college students who are either from California or who attend school in California. Some of these scholarships are only available for those who meet both requirements, while others only require one or the other.
A great way to find scholarships is to look for ones with eligibility criteria particular to your interests, skills, and other attributes. State-based scholarships, like California scholarships, are a perfect example of how to narrow your search and increase your chances of finding and winning scholarships.
Some California scholarships may require that students major in a specific field or be part of a particular ethnic, racial, or minority group. Oftentimes, California residency is only one of several criteria required for qualification, which is why creating a free account on Scholarships.com is a great way to find scholarships that fit you specifically.
How to apply for California scholarships
One of the most important when it comes to location-based scholarships is figuring out whether or not you qualify. For example, your eligibility may vary depending on whether you attend a school in California, plan to enroll in a college or university in California, or are a resident of California. Some of these scholarships require you to meet all three qualifications while others only need you to fit one or two. Select scholarships might also be restricted to students from particular counties or regions in California.
Many of these scholarships, especially ones with need-based components, require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have not yet filled out the FAFSA, then you might not qualify for a given scholarship.
Submitting the FAFSA does not mean you have to take out federal student loans; it just means that you are sending your financial information to the schools, grants, and scholarships you are applying to so that they can decide what kind of financial aid you are eligible for.
What are the best California scholarships?
The best scholarship for you will vary depending on your personal experiences, qualities, location, and more. However, as a general rule of thumb, scholarships that are geared toward a smaller segment of that population, of which you are also a part, will be easier to win as there will likely be fewer applicants.
For example, the Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship supports minority students studying law. This award provides 110 scholarships who have been admitted to any law school in the Bay Area.
Other scholarships may only apply to students attending particular institutions. The University of California- Berkeley Achievement Award Program presents high-achieving, community-minded students from low-income backgrounds up to $32,000. Winners will also connect with Alumni Scholars, Cal alumni, and staff.
As it may be difficult to meet a given scholarship's niche requirements, it is worthwhile to look into scholarships that pull from larger applicant pools as well. For example, The ACEC California Scholarships provide yearly awards ranging in value from $1,000 to $10,000. Students just need to be studying engineering at any university in California to be eligible. Both U.S. citizens and international students are encouraged to apply.
Applying to all different types of scholarships you are eligible for, no matter how narrow or broad their qualifications, will increase your chances of obtaining a scholarship and open the door to new opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about California scholarships
When you create a free account on Scholarships.com and add your demographic information, you will receive a list of scholarship opportunities tailored to you, including those for students who are residents of California or attend or plan to attend institutions in California. However, if you prefer to use our scholarship directory, you can search for awards in specific categories without making an account.
Brainstorm unique qualities and experiences you have and try to find awards that suit those characteristics. You can search for scholarships related to your race, ethnicity, or other distinguishing factors. There are also many scholarships based on your school year, the county you’re from, or even just an unusual quality or interest you have.
Just like other kinds of scholarships, California scholarships may be based on need, merit, or both. If the scholarship you are applying for has a need-based component, you may be required to complete the FAFSA or submit a copy of your tax return to qualify. However, many scholarships are only based on merit or another defining factor.
There are many scholarships available for high school seniors, including those that attend high schools in California. Like many other awards, these scholarships may also have their own specific eligibility requirements.
For example, California high school seniors with an interest in the medical field can apply for PAFMG Annual Pre-Med Scholarship Awards. Applicants must also anticipate a career as a medical doctor, demonstrate financial need, and live in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz County.
Other scholarships are based on ethnicity. Californian high school seniors of at least 50% Filipino heritage can apply to the Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund. Those who are of Jewish descent and live in parts of Northern and Central California may be eligible for the JCF Nathan J. and Virginia H. Friedman College Scholarship.
Other scholarships are only offered to California high school seniors from specific counties. For example, the Jeffrey D. Sollender Scholarship is available to those in San Diego County and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program is only for students that live in Ventura County.
Although there are many scholarships available for high school juniors, many of these awards apply to other grade levels, as well. For example, the California Association of Collectors Educational Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to both California high school juniors and seniors.
The Jazz at the Ballroom Scholarship is open to California High school students of every grade level who are also Jazz instrumentalists. While it’s a good idea to find specific scholarships to your grade level, also make sure you apply to types with broader requirements, too.