Get matched with vetted scholarships and enter our
I’m a high school student I’m a college or graduate student
100% Free. No Spam.
Start typing in the text field above
Load More
Advertiser disclosure

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.

Top 144 California Scholarships in March 2024

Written by Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

Full Bio

Learn about our editorial policies

and Cece Gilmore

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

Full Bio

Learn about our editorial policies

Edited by Maria Geiger

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Full Bio

Learn about our editorial policies

Updated: March 3rd, 2024

California is the most populous state in the country and home to over 300 four-year colleges. Whether you are a born and bred Californian or a student from out of state who wants to see what all the buzz is about, California scholarships will help lighten the financial cost of education.

Some of the best scholarships available in California are provided by the state government. Cal Grant, California Promise, and the Middle Class Scholarship provide substantial funding, and sometimes a tuition-free education, to thousands of students every year.

There are also many excellent private scholarships such as the MLK Jr. Memorial Scholarship and the Latinos in Technology Scholarship. Keep on reading to learn about the top California scholarships to help you pay for college!

Read More
Why choose Scholarships360
Students icon

We helped over 4 million students find scholarships in 2023

Check icon

We've spent over 4,000 hours reviewing 3,000 scholarship programs

Light bulb icon

13+ years of experience helping students make smart education decisions

Scholarship Review Process

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

Learn about our editorial policies
All Scholarships
High School
College & Grad
Due Soon
No Essay
144 scholarships
Sort by

Cal Grant Programs

Offered by California Student Aid Commission

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Apr 2, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by California Student Aid Commission

Have you been (1) residing in California for at least one year and (2) attending either a University of California, a California State University, a…Show More

Have you been (1) residing in California for at least one year and (2) attending either a University of California, a California State University, a…Show More

Have you been (1) residing in California for at least one year and (2) attending either a University of California, a California State University, a California Community College, or a qualifying independent and career college or technical school in California? If so, the Cal Grant Programs may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the program awards scholarship money to undergraduate students attending public California colleges, universities, and technical schools or career colleges. To be considered for the programs, interested students must submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the deadline. Keep on reading to learn more!Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Apr 2, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.Show Less

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application
1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply

Cynthia H. Kuo Scholarship

Offered by Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Multiple awards worth up to $5,000
Deadline Mar 25, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

Offered by Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Are you a current or incoming undergraduate student of Chinese descent who is studying in the Bay Area (California) and is actively involved in a…Show More

Are you a current or incoming undergraduate student of Chinese descent who is studying in the Bay Area (California) and is actively involved in a…Show More

Are you a current or incoming undergraduate student of Chinese descent who is studying in the Bay Area (California) and is actively involved in a Christian faith and/or youth group? Further, are you either a first-generation college student in the U.S. or born overseas? If so, the Cynthia H. Kuo Scholarship may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards up to $5,000 to up to five (5) current and incoming college students of Chinese descent who are actively involved in a Christian faith or youth group. Applicants must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA and studying in the Bay Area. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth up to $5,000
Deadline Mar 25, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
Get Started

$40,000 BigFuture Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application
Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Samsung@First Scholarship

Offered by Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
Deadline Mar 29, 2024
Grade Level College Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors & Grad Students

Offered by Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Samsung@First Scholars is the perfect opportunity for undergraduates (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) or master's students in California who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, or…Show More

Samsung@First Scholars is the perfect opportunity for undergraduates (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) or master's students in California who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, or…Show More

Samsung@First Scholars is the perfect opportunity for undergraduates (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) or master's students in California who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). Preference will be given to students enrolling in a school in the greater Bay Area, including Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma. To apply, interested students must submit an online application and two letters of recommendation. Don't miss out on this incredible chance to further your education and pursue your dreams!Show Less

Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
Deadline Mar 29, 2024
Grade Level College Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors & Grad Students
Get Started

Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Niche

Easy Application

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF)

Offered by LULAC National Educational Services Centers, Inc.

Multiple awards worth $250 - $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Offered by LULAC National Educational Services Centers, Inc.

Are you a current or incoming full-time university student in the U.S.? Further, are you of a Latine background and live near a participating LULAC…Show More

Are you a current or incoming full-time university student in the U.S.? Further, are you of a Latine background and live near a participating LULAC…Show More

Are you a current or incoming full-time university student in the U.S.? Further, are you of a Latine background and live near a participating LULAC council? If so, you may be eligible to apply for the LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF)! Each year, the fund awards between $250 and $2,000 to multiple applicants who submit a transcript, proof of enrollment, an essay, and complete an online application. The scholarship is funded by LNESC (LULAC National Education Service Center), “a financial aid and college admissions outreach program designed to assist low-income, high school student’s admission to college.” To find out whether you live in an eligible state, keep on reading. If you fit the criteria, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth $250 - $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
Get Started

Brandenburg Education Scholarship

Offered by Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

Offered by Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund

Are you a current or incoming Jewish postsecondary student residing in California’s San Francisco Bay Area with a demonstrated interest in and dedication to a specific…Show More

Are you a current or incoming Jewish postsecondary student residing in California’s San Francisco Bay Area with a demonstrated interest in and dedication to a specific…Show More

Are you a current or incoming Jewish postsecondary student residing in California’s San Francisco Bay Area with a demonstrated interest in and dedication to a specific field of study (i.e. through internships, research, etc.)? If so, the Brandenburg Education Scholarship may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 to one passionate, current or incoming Jewish undergraduate student residing in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Eligible counties that applicants may reside in include San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Marin, Napa, and Sonoma. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
Get Started

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Stephanie G. Hoffman Scholarship

Offered by Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund

Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $5,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund

Are you a current or incoming Jewish postsecondary student residing in California's San Francisco Bay Area who wants to work with underserved children? If so,…Show More

Are you a current or incoming Jewish postsecondary student residing in California's San Francisco Bay Area who wants to work with underserved children? If so,…Show More

Are you a current or incoming Jewish postsecondary student residing in California's San Francisco Bay Area who wants to work with underserved children? If so, you may be eligible for the Stephanie G. Hoffman Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards up to $5,000 to multiple current and incoming Jewish postsecondary students residing in the Bay Area who are majoring in library science, English, literature, education, or related fields with the intention of working with underserved children. Eligible counties that applicants may reside in include San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Marin, Napa, and Sonoma. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $5,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
Get Started

Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Chicana/Latina Foundation

Multiple awards worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Chicana/Latina Foundation

The Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship is looking for bright minds from Northern California counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara,…Show More

The Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship is looking for bright minds from Northern California counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara,…Show More

The Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship is looking for bright minds from Northern California counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, San Francisco, Sonoma, or Yolo) who self-identify as Chicana and/or Latina. Applicants must have lived in one of those Northern California counties for at least two (2) years at the time of application. Recipients are expected to participate in a year-long Leadership & Scholarship Program in the following ways: attend Leadership Institute sessions, receive a $1,500 scholarship, attend the Annual Award Dinner in January following their application year, and act as CLF Ambassadors for 10 hours. If you're a Chicana/Latina post-secondary student who has resided in an eligible Northern California county for at least two years, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

San Diego Chinese Women’s Association Scholarship

Offered by San Diego Chinese Women's Association

Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by San Diego Chinese Women's Association

The San Diego Chinese Women’s Association Scholarships are awarded to selected outstanding students of Chinese descent who are attending high school in San Diego County.…Show More

The San Diego Chinese Women’s Association Scholarships are awarded to selected outstanding students of Chinese descent who are attending high school in San Diego County.…Show More

The San Diego Chinese Women’s Association Scholarships are awarded to selected outstanding students of Chinese descent who are attending high school in San Diego County. Applicants must be of at least one-quarter Chinese descent, be a graduating high school senior attending a San Diego county school, and be either planning to attend a four-year university, two-year community college, or a vocational school. While applicants looking to attend four-years are eligible to win up to $1,500, those looking to attend community college and vocational programs can win up to $1,000 for their education. If you're a college-bound high school senior from San Diego County, and are of Chinese descent, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

San Joaquin Community Foundation Scholarships

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by San Joaquin Community Foundation

Multiple awards worth $500 - $5,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by San Joaquin Community Foundation

Are you a college-bound high school senior from San Joaquin County, California? If so, you may be eligible for some of the many San Joaquin…Show More

Are you a college-bound high school senior from San Joaquin County, California? If so, you may be eligible for some of the many San Joaquin…Show More

Are you a college-bound high school senior from San Joaquin County, California? If so, you may be eligible for some of the many San Joaquin Community Foundation Scholarships! There are 8 scholarships with varying prize money available, including: Arturo Vera Art Scholarship The Avi Raina Scholarship Bill Pollard Jr. Scholarship John and Francesca Vera Community Leadership Scholarship Robert & Catherine Lagorio Scholarship(Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant) Robert & Catherine Lagorio Scholarship (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) San Joaquin Society for Human Resource Management Scholarship Stockton Student Athletes Scholarship Fund To be considered for each of them, interested students must simply complete the universal application. To find out more about each scholarship’s specific requirements, we recommend checking out their individual profiles on the San Joaquin Community Foundation website. If you do fit the criteria for any of the scholarships, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth $500 - $5,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

Easy Application
Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore

Offered by Appily

Easy Application

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less

Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore
Apply

ICF First-Year College Scholarship

Offered by Italian Catholic Federation (ICF)

Multiple awards worth $400
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Italian Catholic Federation (ICF)

Are you a Roman Catholic high school senior of Italian descent who lives within the Roman Catholic Dioceses or where the Branches of Federation were…Show More

Are you a Roman Catholic high school senior of Italian descent who lives within the Roman Catholic Dioceses or where the Branches of Federation were…Show More

Are you a Roman Catholic high school senior of Italian descent who lives within the Roman Catholic Dioceses or where the Branches of Federation were established in California, Arizona, Illinois, or Nevada? Alternatively, are you a Roman Catholic high school senior with a parent, guardian, or grandparent who is a member of the Italian Catholic Federation? If either applies, you may be eligible for the ICF First-Year College Scholarship! In order to apply, you must submit an essay, transcript, and proof of enrollment at your soon-to-be university. If you win, the scholarship is automatically renewable, with the award amount increasing from $400 to $1,000 from freshman to senior year. If you fit the criteria and are looking for some help to pay off your college costs, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth $400
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

Alan Lucas Educational Scholarships

Offered by San Francisco Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College Upperclassmen & Graduate Students

Offered by San Francisco Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)

Are you planning to pursue lighting education or research as part of your undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies? If so, consider applying for the Alan…Show More

Are you planning to pursue lighting education or research as part of your undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies? If so, consider applying for the Alan…Show More

Are you planning to pursue lighting education or research as part of your undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies? If so, consider applying for the Alan Lucas Educational Scholarships! The Alan Lucas Educational Scholarships are open to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students in Northern California who want to pursue lighting education or research. The scholarship is funded by the San Francisco Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the primary Bay Area organization providing educational programs and events for professional development in the lighting industry. Each year, the Alan Lucas Educational Scholarships awards at least $1,500 to one (1) lucky lighting student to help pay for the costs of his/her education. If you’re passionate about pursuing a career in the lighting industry and are looking for some help to pay off your degree, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College Upperclassmen & Graduate Students
Get Started

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application
1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Robert W. Thunen Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Illuminating Engineering Society of North America-San Francisco Section

Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $5,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College Upperclassmen & Graduate Students

Offered by Illuminating Engineering Society of North America-San Francisco Section

The Robert W. Thunen Memorial Scholarship annually awards between $1,000 and $5,000 to college upperclassmen and graduate students who are attending a university in Northern…Show More

The Robert W. Thunen Memorial Scholarship annually awards between $1,000 and $5,000 to college upperclassmen and graduate students who are attending a university in Northern…Show More

The Robert W. Thunen Memorial Scholarship annually awards between $1,000 and $5,000 to college upperclassmen and graduate students who are attending a university in Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, or Washington, and desire to pursue illumination as a career. Graduate applicants must be undertaking a lighting-centered project as part of work towards a graduate degree. To apply, interested students must submit a Statement of Purpose with respect to their lighting education and arrange for at least three letters of recommendation, at least one of which shall be from someone involved with lighting professionally or academically. If you're a college upperclassman or graduate student in Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, or Washington, and desire to pursue illumination as a career, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $5,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College Upperclassmen & Graduate Students
Get Started
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • ...
  • 8
  • Next Next Page Icon

How to win California scholarships

From the stunning forestry and redwoods of Northern California to the sun soaked beaches of Southern California, California is amazing! As you seek out California scholarships, keep an eye out for scholarships that embrace California’s diversity. Ultimately, use your own individuality to stand out and demonstrate how you can enrich California. 

The California scholarship scene extends beyond just traditional academic merit. Rather, California’s booming industries in technology, entertainment, and sustainability offer unique opportunities for aspiring California students. Investigate scholarships that align with your passions and career aspirations as you demonstrate your commitment to these fields and their impact on California’s sunny future. 

Additionally, California has a thriving arts scene which will allow you to discover scholarships that celebrate your creative talents. From prestigious conservatories to local theaters, California offers many opportunities for artists, performers, and creatives to thrive. Let your artistic talents shine through on your California scholarship applications! 

Scholarship application resources for California students

No matter what stage you are at in the scholarships application process, we have some helpful Scholarships360 resources. Need help writing an authentic essay about yourself? We have you covered!  Be sure to also check out our Scholarships360 guides on how to start a scholarship essay and how to end your scholarship essay for help from start to finish! 

If you are ready to surf the waves of academic achievement, California’s scholarship opportunities offer something for everyone. Ultimately, you should harness the diversity and creativity of California while letting your talents, passions, and uniqueness shine through. This will guide you towards a future as bright as the California sun! 

Learn more: The ultimate guide to finding & winning scholarships

California student loan debt snapshot

According to the Department of Education, California residents owe $141.8 billion in federal student loan debt, with student borrowers owing $37,084 on average (not including private student loans). 51.7% of student loan borrowers in California are under the age of 35. As you begin your higher education, remember that scholarships allow students to take less loans. Make sure that you apply to as many as you qualify for. Keep on reading to learn more about merit scholarships from colleges in California!

California Scholarship Spotlight

Celebrate the West High School Art Competition

High school-age students in Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming who submit an original two-dimensional art piece informed by their experience living in the West can win $200 – $1,500

Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) Scholarship ProgramHispanic

US Citizens, Permanent Residents and Dream Act/ AB 540 students who live in Orange County. HEEF awards begin at $2,500 but application also considers you for a wide range of awards that range from $1,500 to $5,000

Merit scholarships at California colleges and universities

University of California – Berkeley 

  • Eligibility: California residents and AB540 eligible students entering from high school with a 4.1+ GPA; California residents and AB 540 eligible students entering UC Berkeley from a community college with a 3.5+ GPA; Continuing students with a 3.5+ GPA. Complete the FAFSA
  • Amount: $6,000
  • Deadline: New and returning students who have completed the application to UC Berkeley and the FAFSA by mid-March

University of Southern California

  • Eligibility: First-year year students enrolling in University of Southern California. Awards are made based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and talent
  • Amount: Up to full cost of tuition
  • Deadline: April 1

University of California – Los Angeles 

  • Eligibility: First-years and transfer students entering UCLA. Recipients are selected on the basis of merit-based, need-based and non-need-based monetary awards
  • Amount: $2,000+
  • Deadline: Be accepted to UCLA and complete the FAFSA by March 2

University of California – Santa Barbara 

  • Eligibility: Incoming first-years to UCSB. Recipients selected based on their application to the university
  • Amount: $5,000 per year
  • Deadline: Considered upon admission to UCSB

University of California – San Diego

  • Eligibility: First-years and transfer students entering UCSD. Have demonstrated academic and extracurricular excellence in your application to the university
  • Amount: Up to $20,000
  • Deadline: November 30 annually

Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity

In-state tuition costs are generally much lower than out-of-state tuition rates, which can save students thousands of dollars in tuition costs each year. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state California students, which can help reduce the cost of attending college. 

Here are a few well-known California universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:

University of California – Berkeley

  • In-state tuition: $15,444
  • Out-of-state tuition: $48, 018

University of California – Los Angeles

  • In-state tuition: $14,478
  • Out-of-state tuition: $47,052

University of California – San Diego

  • In-state tuition: $18,147
  • Out-of-state tuition: $50,721

How do you get in-state tuition?

In order to establish residency in California to qualify for in-state tuition, students must have maintained legal residence in the state for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment. Then, you will have to obtain legal documentation, such as a California driver’s license, voter registration, or a lease agreement to support your residency claim. Additionally, you must cut ties with your previous state by canceling or transferring your out-of-state driver’s license, registering your vehicle in California, and changing your mailing address. 

Attending a California community college and completing 30 semester units while maintaining a physical presence in California can help in establishing residency. However, it is important to note that residency requirements may vary between California universities. Therefore, it is important to review the specific requirements of your chosen college. 

See also: Tuition-free California community colleges

Does California have tuition reciprocity? 

No, California does not have tuition reciprocity agreements with other states. Therefore, if you are an out-of-state student planning on attending a public university in California, you will typically be subjected to out-of-state tuition rates which are higher than in-state tuition rates.

Start your scholarship search
  • Vetted scholarships custom-matched to your profile
  • Access exclusive scholarships only available to Scholarships360 members
Get Started

Additional California resources

FAFSA guide

On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. California students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.

Keep on reading

Women, high school seniors and Black students can take advantage of specific scholarship opportunities. Some scholarships require essays and applications, but others are no-essay scholarships, making for a quick and easy application process. Scholarships360 is here to provide valuable college application resources and access to scholarships for students throughout your educational journey!

Frequently asked questions about California scholarships

Does California offer free college?

Yes. There are programs available to California students that award up to the full cost of tuition. Some of them are listed above, including the California Veterans Association College Fee Waiver Program and the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. Some universities in California offer merit and need-based scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition or attendance, such as the University of Southern California.

What are the UC Personal Insight Questions?

If you are considering applying to a University of California Campus, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, or UC Irvine, you’ll have to respond to four out of eight possible supplemental essay questions. These help the admissions team get a better picture of who you are and what you plan to pursue in college.

There is an art to responding to any supplemental essay question. Luckily, we can help you through it with our guide to responding to the UC Personal Insight Questions. We’ll walk you through each question and describe what the admissions officers are really looking for in your answer.

Can out-of-state students receive scholarships to attend California colleges and universities?

Yes! Out-of-state students may be eligible for some California scholarships. However, many California scholarships are reserved for California residents, so double-check the scholarship requirements.

How can I increase my chances of winning a California scholarship?

Students can increase their chances of winning California scholarships by using the uniqueness of the state of California to their advantage. They should be linking these factors to their personal interests, passions, and career ambitions. Additionally, researching and applying for multiple scholarships, meeting all eligibility criteria and submitting a strong application will help increase your chances of winning a California scholarship as well!
Get Started

Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.

3 reasons to join scholarships360

  • Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
  • Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
  • Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

Join For Free