Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: January 18, 2025

California Scholarships

Key takeaways:

  • Many scholarships have specific eligibility criteria such as residency in particular counties, while some are available by state.
  • Scholarships for California students cater to both need-based and merit-based applicants. Merit-based scholarships often consider academic achievements and standardized test scores, while need-based scholarships focus on the financial situation of the applicant.
  • California offers a wide range of scholarships for various academic disciplines and student backgrounds.

The Golden State is full of excellent public and private colleges. However, living and attending school in California can come with a pretty substantial price tag. That’s why California scholarships come in handy. They can reduce your total out-of-pocket expenses while letting you attend your dream school.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 California Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • Edison Scholars Program

  • Amount$50,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 23, 2025

The Edison Scholars Program recognizes students who want to be makers of tomorrow — the dreamers, inventors, guardians and pioneers — those who dare to be great. Edison International will award $50,000 college scholarships to 30 high school seniors to help them follow their dreams in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) and empower them to change the world. This is a chance for

  • 2

  • Posse Foundation Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

The Posse Scholarship recognizes outstanding high school students with full-tuition scholarships to attend one of Posse’s partner colleges or universities. This program identifies and supports young leaders who demonstrate academic potential and a commitment to teamwork and diversity, offering them the resources to thrive in college and beyond. Scholarship Details Full-tuition scholarship to

  • 3

  • eQuality Scholarships

  • Amount$6,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

Since its inception over 30 years ago, the eQuality Scholarship Collaborative has been dedicated to fostering student leadership, awarding scholarships to outstanding California students who have served the LGBTQ+ community. By 2024, eQuality’s total scholarship awards surpassed $2.1 million, continuing its mission to support the next generation of leaders. Scholarship Details Awards

  • 4

  • Pacific Gas & Electric Company PrideNetwork ERG Scholarship

  • Amount$6,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

Employee Resource Groups not only help bring our employees together, but provide an essential bridge of communication to our customers, regardless of culture, age, gender or other defining elements. As part of the support these groups provide to the communities we serve, ERGs offer scholarship opportunities for those pursuing higher education. PG&E and its employee groups offer a wide range of

  • 5

  • Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR)

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) recognizes and rewards high school students who, through their volunteer activities, have undertaken significant efforts to advance racial equity and understanding in their schools or communities. PPRR operates through 28 Regional Committees and an at-large committee that accepts applications from high school students who live outside the geographic

  • 6

  • Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program

  • Amount$7,500
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

Honoring both our nation’s 40th President and his lasting legacy of leadership, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program awards Ventura County, Calif., high school seniors who exemplify outstanding leadership skills and personal character with a total of $50,000 in scholarships annually. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

  • 7

  • InspirASIAN Scholarship Program

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

InspirASIAN makes a difference in our community by supporting graduating high school seniors with their college education through our scholarship awards. InspirASIAN awards national scholarships to students residing in any state with a participating local InspirASIAN chapter. All students who apply will be considered for the national scholarships awards. Students who are not awarded national

  • 8

  • Cherry Hawk Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

Since inception in 1993, Cancer for College has awarded more than $6 million and 1,600 scholarships to cancer survivors all across the United States. Each year we award many general, nationwide scholarships as well as several specialty scholarships. For your convenience, we house them all in one single application. The Cherry Hawk Scholarship is open to students from or attending school in

  • 9

  • Western Undergraduate Exchange Plus at University of New Mexico

  • Amount$91,676
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 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.

  • 10

  • Doyle Foundation, Inc. Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 2025

Doyle Foundation Scholarships are for one year only. Applicants can be graduating high school seniors or any age beyond that. There is no income cap requirement; there is no minimum grade point average requirement. One may enroll in any field of study. Both need-based and merit scholarships are awarded. Scholarship amounts and awarded expenses vary. Not all applicants will receive a scholarship.

  • 11

  • University of New Mexico WUE Scholarship

  • Amount$69,428
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 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.

  • 12

  • CIEF Scholarships in Architecture

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 6, 2025

Two types of scholarships are offered: A five-year scholarship leading to a Bachelor or Master of Architecture and a Community College Scholarship for students who plan to transfer to a Bachelor or Master of Architecture Program. A maximum of five scholarships (new or continuing) are awarded each year to students accepted by a college with a Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture

  • 13

  • Health Tech Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2025

The Grossmont Healthcare District is an active supporter of healthcare education and training for the benefit of future generations. Each year, a portion of the District’s grants and sponsorships overall budget is allocated to local college and high school students living or attending school within District boundaries through scholarships. Non-residents may also be granted scholarships as long as

  • 14

  • Southern California Mothers of Multiples Clubs, Inc. (SCMOMC) Scholarship

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2025

Since 1987, SCMOMC has awarded over 50 scholarships. Scholarships are presented annually at the SCMOMC May Convention. A SCMOMC Scholarship may be applied for by multiples together or individually, or by a mother of multiples. The Scholarship Committee reviews all complete applications received by the stated deadline and selects the recipients based on the criteria and eligibility noted

  • 15

  • Gucci Changemakers Scholarship

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2025

The Gucci Changemakers Scholarship Fund is dedicated to empowering students in creative and business-oriented fields through substantial financial support. Scholarship Details 12 scholarships of up to $20,000 for diverse students studying fashion, design, art, business, merchandising, law, film, music, and other creative or business-oriented programs. Open to

  • 16

  • Richard J. Bea Nursing Scholarship

  • Amount$7,500
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2025

The Grossmont Healthcare District is an active supporter of healthcare education and training for the benefit of future generations. Each year, a portion of the District’s grants and sponsorships overall budget is allocated to local college and high school students living or attending school within District boundaries through scholarships. Non-residents may also be granted scholarships as long as

  • 17

  • College Women's Club of Pasadena Scholarship

  • Amount$3,500
  • DeadlineFebruary 12, 2025

The College Women's Club of Pasadena Scholarship is open to full-time women students at eligible colleges or universities. Women undergraduates must be sophomores or beyond, enrolled full-time, taking 12 or more units and moving to junior or senior status. Women graduate students must fulfill their school’s full-time requirements. US citizens and permanent residents, as well as DACA recipients,

  • 18

  • San Diego State University Merit Scholarships

  • Amount$40,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 14, 2025

San Diego State has over 700 scholarship opportunities to support our students’ educational goals. Funding for our scholarships has been provided by generous donors to SDSU who believe in higher education and your ability to achieve academic success. SDSU maintains a strict policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender

  • 19

  • Salute to Education Scholarship

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineFebruary 14, 2025

The purpose of the San Diego County Salute to Education scholarship program is to encourage students to seek a higher education at a vocational/technical school, junior college, college or university after graduating from high school. The program aims at recruiting students who deserve recognition for their personal accomplishments and contributions to their schools and communities. Academic

  • 20

  • Simon Youth Greg Saunders Legacy Scholarship Program

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 14, 2025

Each year, SYF awards up to $1 million in one-time and renewable Simon Youth Scholarships to high school students in every community that is home to a Simon Mall. Targeting first-generation college students and those with demonstrated financial need, the Simon Youth Scholarships program furthers the SYF commitment to extending educational opportunities to all students who want to learn,

  • 21

  • JFLA Brawerman Fellowship

  • Amount$40,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 17, 2025

Through the Brawerman Fellowship, we develop and sustain a talent pool of Jewish young leaders for our community in perpetuity. The Fellowship provides an annual $10,000 college scholarship — a total of $40,000 over four years — and participation in a larger program that builds leadership skills and further strengthens Fellows’ connection to Jewish life through retreats, a trip to Israel, and

  • 22

  • Jeffrey D. Sollender Scholarship

  • Amount$16,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 17, 2025

The Jeffrey D. Sollender Scholarship recognizes outstanding teens excelling in entrepreneurial ventures, community service, or in the workplace. To be eligible, applicants must: be a graduating high school senior in San Diego County who plans to attend a four-year college or university; have a 3.2 GPA; demonstrate financial need; and provide a completed FAFSA or CA Dream Act and Student Aid

  • 23

  • Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 19, 2025

At the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, we believe that students need and deserve education beyond high school, and that every motivated student should have the opportunity to pursue postsecondary education. We have been supporting students in their higher education goals since 1962. After careful review of the applications and the more than 500 scholarship funds we manage, we provide

  • 24

  • SVCF Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 28, 2025

The Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship was established in memory of Police Chief Harold "Hal" Johnson to provide financial support to students who plan to pursue a career in police work, corrections or other criminal justice fields. This scholarship honors Hal's 29 year law enforcement career, which began in Sacramento, California, in 1955. He chose his career after serving honorably as a

  • 25

  • Dr. James L. and Evelyn Ribbs Hutchinson Medical Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 28, 2025

The Hutchinson Medical School Scholarship Fund was established to assist young people who aspire to attend medical school and to recognize students who demonstrate excellence in both character and academic achievement. Applicant must be a college senior and accepted to medical school or currently enrolled full-time in an accredited medical school program and must demonstrate personal motivation

What is a California scholarship?

California scholarships can be awarded to students based in California, those attending school there or both. Some California scholarships are only available for those who meet both requirements, while others only require one type of residency requirement.

Like other state-based scholarships, some California scholarships also have specific regional requirements, like the Folsom Garden Club Scholarship.

How to qualify for the Folsom Garden Club Scholarship

California scholarships may also require that students major in a specific concentration (like the scholarship mentioned above) or be part of a specific ethnic, racial or other minority group. Oftentimes, California residency is merely one of several criteria required for qualification, which is why we recommend creating a profile and conducting a scholarship search to determine which of these scholarships you may apply for.

One of the best scholarship sources for California students is an in-state program known as the Cal Grant. Grant amounts depend on the type of grant, where you’re going to college and other factors.

How to qualify for the Cal Grant

The Cal Grant program includes the following specific grants

Where to find California scholarships

One of the best places to find California scholarships is through your school, especially if you’re attending a public school. Schools often have a wide variety of grants and scholarships for eligible students. If you’re currently enrolled, meet with your academic advisor to ask about maximizing your financial aid.

You can also talk to your professors, supervisors or any other adult mentors you know. If you change majors, make sure to talk to your new academic advisor. They may know about degree-specific scholarships you can apply for.

You should also look for scholarships through third-party sources. A good place to start is the Scholarships.com Directory, which sorts scholarships by category. Start by going through each category that applies to you. To simplify the process, you can also create an account and answer all the relevant questions. Once you have created your profile, you’ll be provided with a list of scholarships that are tailored specifically to you.

Applying for scholarships often requires a considerable level of organization and persistence. Use a spreadsheet to track scholarships and their requirements. Also, give yourself enough time to write the essay and get recommendation letters written. If you rush, you’re more likely to make typos and errors in your application.

Some students get discouraged if they apply for a few scholarships and don’t win. It's important to be realistic; you might have to submit several scholarship applications to win a single scholarship. However, there are strategies you can employ that will make applying quicker and more efficient. For example, some scholarship applications may require similar essays. Once you have one well-written essay, you may be able to reuse it (with a few edits here and there) several times.

Frequently asked questions about California scholarships

While some California scholarships are only given to students who plan to stay in their home state, others will let you attend school out-of-state.

For example, the AAUW Re-Entry Women Scholarship says you can either live in or attend school in San Diego County. This means that you may still apply, even if you are attending school outside of California.

How to qualify for the AAUW Re-Entry Women Scholarship

  • Must either live in or attend school in San Diego County
  • Must be a female student who is returning to complete her education
  • Must be at least 23 years old
  • Must have at least 20 college-level credit hours

The Cal Grant program offers some of the best scholarship opportunities for local students. Submit the application as soon as possible so you can be considered for the most number of awards.

If you’re not a California resident but want to attend school there, you might think that moving will automatically grant you in-state resident status.

However, that’s not the case. To be treated as an in-state student, you must have lived in California for at least 366 days before you’re eligible for in-state tuition. Also, undergraduate students who are 24 years old or younger need to be financially independent to qualify.

Eligibility requirements for California scholarships are very different, and many awards are given for community college or vocational students as well as graduate or professional students. While undergraduate scholarships for four-year programs may be the most common, they aren’t the only opportunities available.

No matter what kind of school you're enrolled in, you‘ll likely be able to find relevant California scholarships. The only potential caveat is if you're attending a school that is not accredited. In this case, finding awards may be trickier than if you were attending an accredited school.