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Alyssa Schulz Image Written By: Alyssa Schulz | Edited By: Cara Goldstone | Updated: July 2, 2025

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

  • 1

  • Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarships Program

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineJuly 15, 2025

As part of its commitment to self-determination, cultural preservation, and service to its people, the Hopi Tribe offers a variety of scholarships and grants to support enrolled members pursuing higher education. These awards are designed to assist students at all academic levels, from recent high school graduates to graduate and professional degree candidates. Scholarship Details BIA

  • 2

  • Helen Veress-Mitchell Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineJuly 15, 2025

Investing in people living with HIV is crucial and a primary mission of Capital City AIDS Fund (CCAF). The Helen Veress-Mitchell Scholarship program was created in 2002 and since has accrued donations and awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships. These scholarships help people living with HIV attend college or technical school. Most are pursuing careers in the health care field in hopes of

  • 3

  • Western Undergraduate Exchange Plus at University of New Mexico

  • Amount$91,676
  • DeadlineJuly 15, 2025

If you've worked hard at your high school, you'll be glad to know that The University of New Mexico is paying attention. You will find several scholarships opportunities. Scholarships are merit-based, competitive and a limited number are available. To be considered you must meet the criteria for consideration, be admitted by the Application Deadline and complete any application materials noted.

  • 4

  • University of New Mexico WUE Scholarship

  • Amount$69,428
  • DeadlineJuly 15, 2025

If you've worked hard at your high school, you'll be glad to know that The University of New Mexico is paying attention. You will find several scholarships opportunities. Scholarships are merit-based, competitive and a limited number are available. To be considered you must meet the criteria for consideration, be admitted by the Application Deadline and complete any application materials noted.

  • 5

  • Jeff Sein Kwan Yang Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJuly 18, 2025

The Jeff Sein Kwan Yang Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors who meet the following requirements: reside in or attend school in the San Gabriel Valley area; are an immigrant or child of an immigrant; and are committed to serving the immigrant community in some aspect. We look at the following criteria: 1) past community service and commitment to the immigrant community; 2)

  • 6

  • Annie Ibok Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJuly 31, 2025

The Annie Ibok Scholarship is a one-time award given primarily to underserved students to offset the rising costs of undergraduate studies at Historically Black Colleges & Universities(HBCUs). This scholarship honors the late Mrs. Annie Ibok, a loving wife, mother, and RN from the Bay Area with a deep passion for supporting her community. Eligibility Be a rising college freshman

  • 7

  • University of Georgia Classic Scholarship

  • Amount$38,080
  • DeadlineJuly 31, 2025

Last year, UGA awarded more than $6 million in scholarships and awards from University funds to undergraduate students. Most academic (merit-based) scholarships for first-year students are awarded during the admissions process. This process is usually finalized by early April for all admitted first-year students. Approximately 14% of enrolled first-year students received an academic scholarship

  • 8

  • GMiS California Medical Scholarships

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineAugust 15, 2025

Great Minds in STEM (GMiS) is pleased to announce the GMiS California Medical Scholarships, which provide financial assistance and support for underrepresented students pursuing medical professions in the state of California. GMiS awards scholarships in honor of three outstanding individuals who believe(d) in enabling students to achieve their dreams of bettering the quality of human life,

  • 9

  • Santa Rosa Ninety-Nines Aviation Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineAugust 15, 2025

Each year, the Santa Rosa chapter of the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots awards a scholarship to a local woman pilot. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide funds to be used for a specific rating or certificate in flight training and/or continuing education to further the recipient’s pursuit of a career in aviation. Eligible applicants must be at least 17 years old,

  • 10

  • Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program

  • Amount$175,224
  • DeadlineAugust 30, 2025

The Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program at Chapman University creates pathways for under-served students facing adversity by offering full-tuition scholarships. The scholarship awards will also support first-generation college students. This scholarship program is intended for eligible students who wish to earn their MMS degree at the Chapman University Physician Assistant

  • 11

  • Colonel Nate Smith Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineAugust 31, 2025

The Colonel Nate Smith Scholarship is available only to Marines and Sailors (and their dependents) currently stationed at MCRD San Diego/The Western Recruiting Region. Applicants must be high school graduates and currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. Award recipients will be chosen by the Selection Committee based on academic performance, extracurricular activities and

  • 12

  • Utom Conservation Fund Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 1, 2025

The Utom Conservation Fund is managed by a consortium of groups* that are dedicated to protecting the Utom River and its watershed in southern California. 10 grants in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded. Eligibility Open to high school seniors and junior college and undergraduate students Applicant must reside in the Utom River Watershed Special consideration will be given to

  • 13

  • Daniel A. Terry Scholarship

  • Amount$12,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 1, 2025

To be eligible for the Daniel A. Terry Scholarship, an applicant must be the natural or legally adopted child of a California firefighter who died in the line of duty and whose name appears or is approved to appear on the California Firefighters Memorial Wall. Applicants must also be under 27 years of age at the application closing date and must possess a high school diploma or equivalent or be

  • 14

  • Association of Environmental Professionals Student Scholarship Program

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 4, 2025

San Diego AEP supports undergraduate and graduate students who are actively engaged in the pursuit of an environmental career. Scholarship recipient(s) will also receive a complimentary student membership which includes all the benefits of professional membership such as the quarterly newsletters, notification of networking events, reduced rate for Chapter luncheons, and reduced rates for the

  • 15

  • Sponsoring True Advocacy for Challenged Youth Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 15, 2025

The selected applicant(s) will receive up to a $1,000.00 scholarship to help fund their college tuition and/or miscellaneous education expenses. Completing the application will provide the STACY Board members with information about each applicant. Scholarship Details Scholarship amount: Up to $1,000 Funds may be used for tuition or miscellaneous education expenses Selection is

  • 16

  • Boise State WUE Award

  • Amount$62,720
  • DeadlineOctober 1, 2025

Students must be admitted to Boise State as degree-seeking to be considered for scholarships. By completing the admissions application and meeting the criteria listed below, you will automatically be considered for the WUE scholarships without an additional application. Scholarship recipients are notified through their admission letter. Scholarships will be made visible in the Student Center

  • 17

  • National Rice Month Scholarship Contest

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineOctober 15, 2025

National Rice Month celebrates the harvest of U.S.-grown rice, a small but mighty grain that has been a staple in American diets for over 300 years. Nearly 85% of the rice consumed in the U.S. is grown on family farms across six states: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. This scholarship allows you to share the importance of rice through a creative and original

  • 18

  • Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ Scholarships

  • Amount$25,000
  • DeadlineOctober 28, 2025

Each year, Chick-fil-A restaurant Team Members across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico are offered the opportunity to apply for college scholarships through the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ scholarship program. Since 1973, we’ve been able to donate more than $215 million to award more than 122,000 Team Member scholarships to help them pursue a higher education and achieve their remarkable

  • 19

  • Mel C. Marshall Student Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineOctober 31, 2025

CPCA was formed in 1990 by a group of precast concrete manufacturers who felt a local organization was necessary to address matters of concern to the precast concrete industry in California. Now, well into the third decade of service to its members, the focus of CPCA remains on the advancement of quality, precast products. CPCA operates as a non-profit California corporation, and it maintains a

  • 20

  • Ohio State University National Buckeye Scholarship

  • Amount$54,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

The Ohio State University National Buckeye Scholarship is awarded to non-Ohio residents. Those considered are non-Ohio residents (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) who are highly competitive as demonstrated through grade point average, class rank (if available), and ACT or SAT scores (if available). Applicants who meet the criteria and apply to the university by November 1 will automatically

  • 21

  • University of Florida Out-of-State Tuition Waver

  • Amount$64,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

The UF Office of Admissions currently offers a very limited number of merit-based out-of-state scholarships designed to reduce the out-of-state tuition for high-achieving students at the following levels: Alumni Scholarship: Up to $8,000 per year (Fall/Spring, total $32,000 over 4 years); Sunshine Scholarship: Up to $16,000 per year (Fall/Spring, total $64,000 over 4 years); and Gator Nation

  • 22

  • Michigan State University Merit Recognition Scholarship

  • Amount$16,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

Discover the options, requirements and important deadlines to receive financial support. Learn about applying for FAFSA and loans. You'll also discover other options for financial assistance. Admitted students are automatically considered for many scholarships. Find out how to search and apply for other scholarships, too. Michigan State University offers multiple scholarships, based on a number

  • 23

  • Good Tidings Community Service Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineNovember 8, 2025

The Good Tidings Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) children's charity, is dedicated to uplifting marginalized children in the Bay Area. Our mission is to create spaces for athletics, artistic activities, education, and wonder, offering opportunities for growth that transcend financial status, ethnic origin, or religion. The $10,000 scholarship check will be dispersed evenly over the course of 4

  • 24

  • Greenhouse Scholars Whole Person College Program

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineNovember 14, 2025

Becoming a Greenhouse Scholar is the first action in a series of positive events that will create change in you, your community, and the world. Through the innovative Whole Person Program, we offer comprehensive support encompassing personal, professional, and financial guidance over a transformative 5-year span during your undergraduate years. Scholarship Details Comprehensive 5-year

  • 25

  • A.W. Bodine-Sunkist Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineNovember 15, 2025

The A.W. Bodine-Sunkist Memorial Foundation awards scholarships to students with a personal or family involvement in Arizona or California agriculture. Established in 1985, the A.W. Bodine-Sunkist Memorial Foundation has awarded nearly 300 scholarships over the years — all of which have been presented to students connected to the farming industry, including many of whom are the first in their

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.