State-Specific Scholarships in California

The Value of State-Specific Scholarships

California has some of the top public universities, like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego, known for their research, innovation, and diverse students. However, with California’s cost of living index at 142.2, attending college here can be extremely expensive.

Fortunately, there are several scholarships available for everyone—academic achievers, students with financial need, and those who demonstrate leadership or community involvement. While there are numerous scholarships available at the national level, state-specific scholarships can often be more advantageous for students attending school within the state.

Here’s why you need to consider California state scholarships:

Better chances of getting a scholarship

Scholarships for California students have less competition since they’re only for residents, so your chances of winning are higher compared to national scholarships.

Encourages staying in-state

Some scholarships offer perks like internships and job connections to help you stay and work in the state after graduation.

Stronger community connections

State-specific scholarships often focus on students involved in community service or leadership, helping you connect with your local area.

According to the Education Data Initiative, California’s average in-state tuition fee is $8,637, while out-of-state tuition is $42,017. In-state tuition is relatively cheaper compared to other states like Vermont and New Hampshire. However, if you’re an out-of-state student, you’ll pay significantly more for tuition.

So, how does the state help students afford college? Well, through state-specific scholarships in California. According to the Public Institute of California:

• Half of California’s first-time, full-time undergraduates received state or local grants (vs. 33% nationally), and 55% received federal grants, matching the national rate.
• Over 75% of CSU undergraduates receive financial aid, with 60% covering full tuition.
• Nearly 70% of UC students receive aid, and over 50% pay no tuition.
• About half of CCC students received grants, and 40% didn’t pay enrollment fees.

In this post, we’ll go over the top 10 California college scholarships. By the end, you’ll know how to stand out for these scholarships and find other resources if you don’t qualify for one on the list.

Related Articles:

• How to Find College Scholarships in Your State
• Top 10 Best Scholarships for College Students
• Unlocking Opportunities: Online Education Scholarships

Top State-Specific Scholarships in California

San Diego Chinese Women’s Association Scholarships

• Award Amount:
  • $2,000 (for a four-year university)
  • $1,500 (for a two-year college or vocational school)
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be a graduating high school senior in San Diego County.
  • Must be at least one-quarter Chinese descent.
  • Minimum GPA requirement: 3.0 (weighted).
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
• How to Apply: Submit an application, including proof of Chinese descent, high school transcripts, and any additional materials as specified by the San Diego Chinese Women’s Association.

American Association of University Women San Jose Local Scholarship

• Award Amount: $10,000
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must have a permanent home address in Campbell, San José, Milpitas, or Santa Clara.
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA in college coursework.
  • Must be enrolled as a junior or senior at a four-year institution.
  • Focus on academic achievement, educational goals, and personal growth.
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
• How to Apply: Complete the scholarship application form, provide an official college transcript and a personal statement, and submit one letter of recommendation.

James R. Schaaf Civil Engineering Scholarship

• Award Amount: $10,000
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be a bachelor’s degree student majoring in civil engineering.
  • Must attend a college or university located in California.
• Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
• How to Apply: Submit your online application along with your personal statement, transcripts, and two recommendation letters from teachers or mentors in the engineering or science fields.

CAC Educational Scholarship Foundation

• Award Amount: $2,500
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to high school juniors and seniors in California.
  • Must plan to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school within 12 months of graduation.
  • Must submit an original essay on the significance of building and maintaining good financial credit during college.
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
• How to Apply: Visit the CAC website. Complete the online application process. Submit the required essay and supporting documents (transcripts, recommendation letters).

Patriots Path Scholarship

• Award Amount: $5,000 (5 winners of $1,000)
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • High school senior in JROTC or undergraduate in ROTC (California).
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Pursuing a military career.
  • Submit an essay about your military career choice and related activities.
• Application Deadline: July 2, 2025
• How to Apply: Complete the online application. Submit an essay about yourself, your choice of a military career, and activities that have prepared you to serve.

YPE SF Bay Area Scholarship

• Award Amount: $2,500
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be enrolled at a 2-year or 4-year college for the fall semester on at least a part-time basis
  • Must be interested in the energy/climate field.
  • Must attend a Northern California institution (remote coursework is fine).
  • Must provide proof of financial need and active enrollment.
• Application Deadline: July 7, 2025
• How to Apply: Complete the scholarship application form, provide proof of financial need, and submit documentation verifying your enrollment in a Northern California-based educational institution.

CREW Inland Empire Foundation Scholarship

• Award Amount: $5,000
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Female with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  • Enrolled at an Inland Empire community college or university.
  • Intent to pursue a career in a qualified field within the commercial real estate industry.
  • Must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
• Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
• How to Apply: Complete the scholarship application form, provide proof of GPA, and submit documentation demonstrating your academic excellence and financial need.

University of South Carolina Alumni Scholars Award (Non-residents)

• Award Amount:
  • $120,000 (Total over four years)
  • Annual value of $8,000 plus in-state tuition reduction
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be a non-resident freshman at the University of South Carolina (USC).
  • Eligible for only one Admissions Merit Award, except for the Provost Scholars Award.
  • Recognized for leadership, academic excellence, talent, and service.
• Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
• How to Apply: Complete the UofSC general application, submit the Top Scholars application supplement, and send all application materials to the USC Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Cal Grant Competitive Awards

• Award Amount:
  • Varies based on eligibility and award type.
  • Cal Grant A: May be used for tuition or fees for a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree.
  • Cal Grant B: Can be used for tuition and fees, plus an additional Access Award to assist with living expenses.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must meet general Cal Grant eligibility requirements.
  • Must complete FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application.
  • Must not be awarded a Cal Grant Entitlement award.
  • Cal Grant A: For low to middle-income students with a minimum 3.00 High School GPA or 2.40 College GPA.
  • Cal Grant B: For low-income students with a minimum 2.00 High School or College GPA.
  • Scoring components: GPA, parent education level, access equalizer, student or parent household status, family income, and household size.
• Application Deadline:
  • Financial aid information is due by the first deadline.
  • Application is due by the second deadline.
• How to Apply:
  • Complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application.
  • Students are encouraged to create a WebGrants for Students account to manage their Cal Grant award.
  • Selection is based on the scores generated from the information on the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application and GPA.

How to Apply for California State Scholarships

The list only shows ten of the hundreds of California state scholarships. Applying for the ones you qualify for can be stressful and difficult to navigate (and competitive, especially if you’re from out of state).

Here are important things you should know about when applying for scholarships and similar financial aid programs for California students. But first, you need to know the two main types of California state scholarships:

• California merit-based scholarships: If you excel academically or have outstanding talents, these scholarships reward your achievements.
• California need-based scholarships: Perfect for students with financial need, these scholarships help cover college costs based on your financial situation.

Step 1: Know the common eligibility requirements.

The first step on how to apply for scholarships in California is to know the eligibility requirements. For merit-based scholarships, you’ll usually be required to submit the following:

• a transcript
• one or more letters of recommendation
• an essay

You may also need to submit a portfolio or work samples for artistic merit scholarships.

On the other hand, eligibility for need-based scholarships is typically determined by your financial situation. You may be required to submit:

• A financial aid application (like the FAFSA)
• Proof of income or financial need
• A personal statement or essay explaining your circumstances

Step 2: Write a compelling essay.

Experts suggest perfecting your scholarship essay. Here are a few tips on how to ensure that your scholarship essay is compelling:

1. Writing Your Scholarship Essay: Key Tips
   • Plan Ahead: Start early, review, and check deadlines.
   • Highlight Accomplishments: Be concise, and avoid bragging.
   • State Your Need: Explain your financial situation clearly.
   • Keep It Simple: Be direct; don’t fill space unnecessarily.
   • Make It Clear: Have someone else review, check spelling, and ensure readability.
2. Essay Outline:
   • Introduction: State your name, current quarter, and goal.
   • Educational & Career Goals: Share your major, why you chose it, and your career plans.
   • Background: Briefly mention who you are, what your accomplishments are, and what your extracurricular activities are.
   • Need: Explain why you need the scholarship and how it will help.
   • Conclusion: Wrap up with a thank you and how the scholarship will impact your education.
3. Final Steps:
   • Write first, revise for clarity, and proofread multiple times.
   • Ensure your essay reflects your true self.

Step 3: Be organized!

1. Double-check deadlines. Make sure you know when the scholarship application is due. Missing deadlines is how you lose out on scholarship opportunities.
2. Complete the application carefully. Fill out every section of the application accurately and thoroughly. Avoid rushing through it—take your time to ensure everything is correct.
3. Submit the required documents. Be sure that you’ve attached all the necessary documents, whether that’s your transcript, essays, letters of recommendation, or proof of financial need.
4. Keep a copy of your application. Save a copy of your completed application documents, so you have a reference in case you need to follow up or make corrections later.

Tips For Maximizing Scholarship Opportunities

1. Consult a scholarship counselor: Speak with a guidance counselor to help you narrow down scholarships that fit your goals. They offer valuable insights to enhance your applications.
2. Prepare letters of recommendation. Even if not required, preparing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application. Ask for them from teachers, mentors, or past employers who know you well.
3. Apply consistently. Apply for as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances. Don’t limit yourself to top-tier universities—apply to all relevant scholarships, no matter the competition.

Additional Resources for California Students

• California Student Aid Commission (CSAC): CSAC administers several California grants for students, including the Cal Grant program, which awards money based on financial need and academic achievement.
• Local Foundations and Organizations: Many local nonprofits, civic groups, and businesses provide tuition assistance in California. For additional resources, check with your school’s financial aid office, local community centers, or library.
• Scholarship Databases: Websites like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and Cappex allow you to search for California scholarships that match your criteria, such as your major, background, or other personal factors.

Final Tips: Maximizing Your Scholarship Potential

If you really want to secure a spot, always remember these tips:

1. Apply early and often. Don’t wait until the last minute. The more you apply, the better your chances!
2. Keep your grades up. Meet the eligibility requirements and stay on top of your academics.
3. Look into other financial aid options. Scholarships are great but don’t forget to check out other forms of financial aid to help out.