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Scholarships
Find California scholarships that can help you pay for college
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for California
Featured
Apply now
Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 4/30/26
$2,000
8 days left!
Apply now
William F. Stovall Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The William F. Stovall Scholarship will be awarded to students pursuing a Master or Doctorate Degree in a field of public service such as Public-School Administration, Speech Language Pathology, Public Administration, Special Education, etc. Applicants must subscribe to the scholarship's website to receive the link to apply, as well as important updates. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the California Scottish Rite Foundation for more information.
8 days left!
Apply now
Scottish Rite Valleys of Orange County and San Francisco Scholarships
Due: 4/15/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Scottish Rite Valleys of Orange County and San Francisco are offering scholarships to the family members and/or friends of their local masonic members. Applicants must subscribe to the scholarship's website to receive the link to apply, as well as important updates. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the California Scottish Rite Foundation for more information.
8 days left!
Apply now
California Scottish Rite Foundation Youth Fund
Due: 4/15/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Youth Fund is offering scholarships to students who are initiated members of DeMolay or a Senior DeMolay in the Southern California jurisdiction. Applicants must subscribe to the scholarship's website to receive the link to apply, as well as important updates. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the California Scottish Rite Foundation for more information.
8 days left!
Apply now
Scottish Rite Valleys of Santa Rosa, Burlingame, Coachella Valley, and Sacramento Scholarships
Due: 4/15/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Scottish Rite Valleys of Santa Rosa, Burlingame, Coachella Valley, and Sacramento are all offering scholarships to undergraduate students who reside in their local communities. Applicants must subscribe to the scholarship's website to receive the link to apply, as well as important updates. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the California Scottish Rite Foundation for more information.
8 days left!
Apply now
Baldwin Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Baldwin Scholarship will be awarded to students pursuing a Master or Doctorate Degree in a field of public service such as Public-School Administration, Speech Language Pathology, Public Administration, Special Education, etc. Applicants must subscribe to the scholarship's website to receive the link to apply, as well as important updates. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the California Scottish Rite Foundation for more information.
8 days left!
Apply now
Harry Lister Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Foundation provides scholarships to fully accredited Colleges or Universities nationwide through several primary scholarship funds including the Harry Lister Scholarship. Applicants must subscribe to the scholarship's website to receive the link to apply, as well as important updates. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the California Scottish Rite Foundation for more information.
8 days left!
Apply now
Ruppert Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Ruppert Scholarship supports students pursuing an undergraduate degree in either medicine, engineering, forestry, or public-school administration. Applicants must subscribe to the scholarship's website to receive the link to apply, as well as important updates. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the California Scottish Rite Foundation for more information.
10 days left!
Apply now
Robert & Catherine Lagorio Scholarship (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)
Due: 4/17/26
|No Transcripts Required
$5,000
The Robert & Catherine Lagorio Scholarship was established to support students from San Joaquin County pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. The Robert & Catherine Lagorio Scholarship (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) is available to students who have been accepted into or are currently attending a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree program. Applicants must be an alum of a high school in San Joaquin County, California. They must be accepted into or currently attending a postsecondar...
10 days left!
Apply now
Robert & Catherine Lagorio Scholarship (Vet Tech or Vet Assistant)
Due: 4/17/26
|No Transcripts Required
$2,500
The Robert & Catherine Lagorio Scholarship was established to support students from San Joaquin County pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. Applicants must be a high school senior or alum at a high school in San Joaquin County, enrolling in or currently attending a postsecondary school or veterinary certificate program. They must pursue a career path of becoming a Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Assistant, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, or other related Veterinary professional. Applica...
Key things to know about California scholarships
- California scholarships are free money for school. They help California students pay for tuition, books, and other school costs, and you do not have to pay the money back.
- Scholarships are not just for freshmen. There are California scholarships for high school seniors, current college students, transfer students, and adults returning to school.
- You can often stack more than one scholarship. School scholarships and private awards can often be combined to lower your total school costs.
- GPA is not everything. Some California scholarships are merit-based, but others focus on leadership, community involvement, identity, career goals, or your intended major.
- Consistency goes a long way. Applying to a few scholarships each month can add up and make a real dent in your college bills.
College can be expensive, so it is important to go after scholarships and grants, which are free money you do not need to repay. If you live in California, you can tap into scholarships created specifically to support students in your state.
That effort can truly pay off. In fact, Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 shows 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. Whether you are a high school student, a current college student, or an adult returning to school, applying for California scholarships can help you pay less for school.
Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship
No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less
What are California scholarships?
California scholarships are financial aid awards created to help students pay for college, graduate school, or career training. These scholarships come from a mix of sources, including colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, employers, and local community groups.
Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid. Some are awarded based on academic performance, but many focus on who you are and what you have done, such as:
- Community service or leadership
- Field of study or career goals
- California residency or city or county of residence
- Identity-based or community involvement
- Workforce and technical training pathways
- Artistic, athletic, or technical skills
Because the criteria vary so widely, students with many different backgrounds can find scholarships.
What scholarships are available for California students?
Most students have the best results when they apply to several types of scholarships at the same time. California scholarships generally fall into three main categories: scholarships from colleges, local and community awards, and private or employer-sponsored scholarships.
Use tools like Scholly Scholarships to find opportunities in California and beyond that fit your background, interests, field of study, and more.
Middle Class Scholarship
The Middle Class Scholarship helps eligible undergraduate students attending University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses reduce the cost of attendance.
Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara
The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara offers scholarships for students connected to Santa Barbara County, including a range of eligibility criteria and award types.
Edison Scholars Program ($50,000)
The Edison Scholars Program awards $50,000 scholarships to high school seniors pursuing eligible STEM majors at accredited four-year colleges.
ACEC California engineering scholarships
The ACEC California Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships for students pursuing engineering and land surveying pathways in California.
CTA scholarships
The California Teachers Association (CTA) scholarships support students pursuing education-related goals, including programs that may prioritize CTA members and their dependents.
PBWC academic scholarships (up to $15,000)
The Professional BusinessWomen of California (PBWC) academic scholarships offer awards of up to $15,000 to women who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and career ambition.
eQuality scholarships ($6,000)
The eQuality scholarships provide $6,000 awards to LGBTQ+ students and allies who demonstrate service and leadership in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Local and community scholarships in California
Local scholarships are often overlooked, which means they can be less competitive. These awards are usually created to support students from specific California communities, school districts, counties, or regions.
Local scholarships may come from:
- Community foundations
- City or county organizations
- Cultural or heritage groups
- Labor unions and trade organizations
- Local businesses and employers
For example, region-based programs like the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara are designed specifically to support students connected to a local California area.
Institutional scholarships from California colleges
Many colleges automatically consider students for scholarships when they apply for admission, while others require a separate application. These scholarships are often based on academic achievement, chosen major, leadership, or enrollment status.
Examples include:
- University of California campuses: Campus and departmental scholarships
- California State University campuses: Merit, need-based, and major-based awards
- California community colleges: Foundation scholarships and local donor awards
- Private colleges: Merit scholarships that may significantly reduce tuition
Still looking at schools? Compare programs, costs, average aid awards, and more with Scout College Search.
Additional financial aid sources in California
Some California programs are structured as grants or fee waivers rather than scholarships.
Cal grant programs (A, B, C)
The Cal Grant programs (A, B, and C) are state-funded financial aid awards that can help eligible California students pay for college or career training. While they are commonly discussed alongside scholarships, Cal Grants are administered as state grant aid through the California Student Aid Commission.
California college promise grant
The California College Promise Grant waives enrollment fees for eligible California community college students based on financial need.
Scholly Scholarships
Find scholarships now
Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for California scholarships
Applying for scholarships is easier when you break it into steps and stay organized.
- Gather your transcript, resume, activity list, and personal statement early.
- Create a shortlist of scholarships that match your major, goals, and background.
- Apply to a few scholarships at a time to avoid burnout.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to qualify for need-based scholarships and grants.
- Track deadlines using a calendar or spreadsheet.
- Follow all instructions carefully before submitting.
Want to save time applying for scholarships? With Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, you can apply to several scholarships at once, with one quick application.
Eligibility requirements for California scholarships
Each scholarship is different, but common requirements include:
- Proof of California residency (for some state and local programs)
- Enrollment at a California college, university, or eligible training program
- Minimum GPA or academic progress standards (for some scholarships)
- Declared major or career pathway
- Demonstrated financial need (for some programs)
- Community service or leadership experience
Tips to improve your chances of winning scholarships
- Apply to both large and small scholarships.
Smaller awards often have fewer applicants, and multiple wins can add up fast. - Customize essays to match each scholarship’s focus.
A few targeted edits can make your application feel more relevant and personal. - Ask for recommendations early.
Giving recommenders time helps them write stronger, more thoughtful letters. - Highlight community impact and leadership.
Many California scholarships value service, leadership, and long-term involvement. - File the FAFSA® as early as possible.
Some state and school-based financial aid may be awarded first come, first served.
Additional scholarship resources
California students can use the resources below to find scholarships that match their major, skills, background, and goals.
- Scholarships by major
Browse scholarships tailored to your specific field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Perfect if you are starting your higher ed journey. Start looking the summer before your senior year to maximize opportunities. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarships do not stop after high school. Apply for opportunities for currently enrolled college students. - Scholarships for first-generation students
First in your family to attend college? These scholarships are designed to support you. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find opportunities that help adult and nontraditional students continue their education. - Scholarships for women
Scholarships supporting women across majors, education levels, and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Check out scholarships that support students navigating LGBTQ+ identities. - STEM scholarships
These help students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math pay for school. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help lower the cost of your master’s, PhD, or professional degree program. - Scholarships for minority students
Discover scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
California scholarships can make college much more affordable when used strategically. By applying to a mix of state opportunities, local awards, private scholarships, and institutional aid, and by applying consistently, you can reduce your reliance on student loans and focus more on your education.
Check out monthly opportunities like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and $5,000 No Essay Grad School Scholarship. These low-effort scholarships make it easy to get started, with no long applications required.
And to discover scholarships based on your state, background, and interests, search with Scholly Scholarships.
FAQs about California scholarships
What scholarships are available for California students?
California students can apply for scholarships like the Middle Class Scholarship, plus private and community awards such as the Edison Scholars Program, ACEC California scholarships, and local foundation scholarships like the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara.
What is the Cal Grant program?
The Cal Grant programs (A, B, and C) are state-funded financial aid awards that can help eligible California students pay for college or career training.
What is the middle class scholarship?
The Middle Class Scholarship helps eligible UC and CSU students reduce their cost of attendance based on state eligibility rules.
What is the difference between Cal Grant and the California college promise grant?
Cal Grants can help cover broader college costs for eligible students, while the California College Promise Grant specifically waives enrollment fees for eligible California community college students.
What deadlines do most California scholarships follow?
Many scholarship deadlines align with high school graduation and fall college enrollment, often between late winter and early spring. Deadlines vary by program, so confirm each scholarship’s timeline and apply early.
Are there scholarships for engineering students in California?
Yes. Programs like the ACEC California scholarships support students pursuing engineering and related fields.
Are there scholarships for women in California?
Yes. The PBWC academic scholarships offer awards of up to $15,000 for women demonstrating leadership and academic achievement.
Are there scholarships for LGBTQ+ students in California?
Yes. The eQuality scholarships provide $6,000 awards to LGBTQ+ students and allies who demonstrate service and leadership.
Are there easy scholarships California students can apply for?
Yes. Some scholarships have simple applications and may not require essays. You can also apply to multiple awards with one application through Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
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