Best Middle Class Scholarships to Apply for This Year

The middle class is in a tricky position when it comes to financial aid. Often, they’re just beyond qualifying for need-based financial aid, but don’t earn enough to comfortably fund an entire four-year education at a quality university. Even for middle class families that do get financial aid, it can seem like a trivial amount compared to the soaring tuition costs.

In this article, we’ll explore middle class scholarships catered exactly towards those families and students in this difficult position. Unlike financial aid, your income level isn’t an obstacle to applying for these scholarships, and you’re even encouraged to apply to as many as possible.

Scholarship Institute is dedicated to being your one-stop-shop guide to all things scholarship. Make more informed decisions with our thorough reviews of the best scholarship platforms and tutoring programs!

What Counts as Middle Class?

Middle class is a relative term. This means it is entirely dependent upon where you live and the income levels of your neighbors. For example, a middle class family in New York City won’t be earning the same as a middle class family in Pensacola, Florida.

Generally, those in the middle class have these characteristics:

• white-collar professionals or business owners
• college degrees
• fair amount of disposable income
• retirement savings
• sufficient health insurance
• possibly home-owners

Investopedia defines the middle class as a “socio-economic category used to describe people and families with incomes that fall into the median range for the geographic area they live in.” Therefore, to dig into specific income brackets, you’ll need to get specific with the geographic region too.

Pew Research Center has this extremely helpful calculator which takes into account your metropolitan area, income before taxes, and size of household to find out if you fall into the middle class category. For a general estimate, Pew Research Center also conducted a study in 2022. They reported that for a household of three, the average American middle class fell between income levels of $56,600 to $169,800.

College can be significantly more expensive if you’re going out-of-state but we’ve got you covered with these out-of-state scholarships!

Best Middle Class Scholarships

Types of Middle Class Scholarships

When it comes to scholarships for middle-class students, opportunities often fall into two main categories: need-based and merit-based scholarships. These are both sometimes known as gift aid because you don’t have to “work” for them. Knowing the difference between these two is especially crucial for middle-class students who will find it more difficult to qualify for need-based middle class scholarship programs.

Need-Based Scholarships

To qualify for need-based scholarships, students typically must submit financial information, often through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), to demonstrate their family’s financial situation. The FAFSA will take into account factors like household income, family size, and any existing financial commitments (such as other children attending college).

It will then calculate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which, for dependent students, is a combination of your parent contribution and (self-help) student contribution. This informs your university about the amount of institutional aid that should be provided. Depending upon your income level, need-based financial aid may be enough. However, for middle class families, it is usually insufficient.

Typically, you will automatically be considered for need-based scholarships and will receive an offer of need-based financial aid from your university alongside your acceptance. You’re encouraged to negotiate the financial aid amount, but it’s important to understand that the priorities of need-based financial aid are those in the lower class bracket.

Learn about the best scholarship websites from a college counselor!

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic, artistic, athletic, or leadership achievements, regardless of their financial background. Middle-class students who excel in specific areas are especially competitive for these scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are a fantastic option for students who may not qualify for substantial need-based financial aid but have shown exceptional performance in their studies, extracurricular activities, or talents.

These scholarships are highly competitive and often require applicants to maintain a certain GPA, submit letters of recommendation, or demonstrate achievement in specific fields like music, sports, science, or community service. They will typically require a separate application process and a supplemental essay.

Colleges, universities, private organizations, and corporations frequently offer merit-based scholarships. Programs like the National Merit Scholarship or private merit-based scholarships are excellent examples of merit-based financial aid opportunities that cater to middle-class students.

Check out these merit-based scholarships specific to high school seniors!

Tips for Applying to Middle Class Scholarships

Since need-based scholarships are always determined by your income level, there is little you can do to improve your chances when applying to them. In contrast, there are many things you can do to increase the likelihood of securing a merit-based scholarship. Here are some tips and tricks that scholarship winners have used!

1. Start Early and Stay Organized

Scholarship applications often have multiple requirements, from essays to letters of recommendation. Start your search early, ideally in your junior year of high school, to give yourself plenty of time to gather necessary documents, write thoughtful essays, and meet application deadlines.

Pro Tip: To really stay on top of everything, create a list or spreadsheet to track each scholarship’s due date, requirements, and award amounts to stay organized.

2. Tailor Your Applications

Each scholarship is different, so avoid submitting the same generic application for every opportunity. Tailor your essays and personal statements to reflect the specific mission or goals of the scholarship provider. For example, if you’re applying for a merit-based scholarship that values community service, emphasize your volunteer experiences and leadership roles.

3. Apply to a Range of Scholarships

Don’t limit yourself to one type of scholarship aid. Apply for both need-based and merit-based scholarships to increase your chances of receiving aid. You can also look for niche scholarships that focus on specific interests, ethnic backgrounds, career goals, or geographic regions. Many scholarships are designed specifically for middle-class students, so cast a wide net and apply to as many as you qualify for.

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4. Use Scholarship Search Engines

Leverage online resources to find scholarships suited to your needs. Websites like Bold.org and College Board’s Scholarship Search can help you discover scholarships tailored to middle-class students. You can also search for local scholarships through community organizations, local businesses, and your school’s guidance office.

5. Write a Compelling Personal Statement

A well-written personal statement can set you apart from other applicants. Use your personal statement to tell a story about who you are, your aspirations, and why you’re a great fit for the scholarship. Be honest, passionate, and clear about how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

6. Proofread and Double-Check Your Application

Before submitting your application, proofread everything carefully. Spelling and grammar mistakes can make a poor impression, so take the time to ensure your application is polished. Ask a teacher, parent, or friend to review your essays and application materials for feedback and catch any errors you might have missed.

Pro Tip: If you can’t seem to get anywhere with your drafts, take a break and come back to your writing with a fresh mind!

7. Don’t Give Up After One Rejection

Scholarship applications can be competitive, and it’s normal to face rejection along the way. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive every scholarship you apply for. Keep applying, and remember that there are many opportunities available throughout the year. Persistence is key!

You may consider boosting your grades before applying to another round of scholarships. We’ve carefully reviewed the top tutoring programs by subject to make that process easier for you!

Other Financial Resources

Grants

Grants are a valuable option, especially for students who demonstrate financial need. Unlike loans, grants don’t require repayment, making them an attractive choice for students seeking aid. Federal and state grants, such as the Pell Grant or State-based Grants, are available to those who complete the FAFSA. A student’s combined grant funding and need-based financial aid can be enough to cover all costs.

Work-Study Programs

Work-study programs provide part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money while gaining valuable work experience. These programs help offset a student’s total cost by offering flexible employment options on or near campus.

Low-Interest Student Loans

For middle-class families who don’t qualify for need-based aid, low-interest federal student loans can help bridge the gap. Programs like the Direct Subsidized Loan and Direct Unsubsidized Loan offer manageable interest rates and flexible repayment options.

Middle Class Scholarship Programs

Middle class scholarship programs, such as California’s Middle Class Scholarship (MCS), are designed to help families with moderate incomes who do not qualify for low-income financial aid. These programs can significantly reduce tuition costs, covering a portion of a student’s total cost based on income and other financial aid received.

529 Savings Plans

529 savings plans allow families to save for education with tax-free growth when used for qualifying educational expenses. This is a long-term option to reduce the financial burden of college, and many middle-class families have disposable income to contribute to these savings.

As a student applying to scholarships, it can be useful to understand how private donors can start a scholarship fund!

Frequently Asked Questions About Middle Class Scholarships

1. Are There FAFSA Income Limits to Apply for Aid?

No, there are no strict income limits for applying for aid through FAFSA. You should always apply for the FAFSA, no matter your income level, in the off-chance that you may qualify for some financial aid. In addition, completing the FAFSA is still required for many scholarships, grants, and federal loans that do not have income restrictions.

2. Which Schools Offer the Best Financial Aid for Middle Class Students?

Schools like Princeton University, Stanford University, and the University of California system are known for providing significant aid to middle-income families, reducing the student’s total cost of attendance. Californian public schools are especially known for their strong middle class scholarship program.

3. How Much is the California Student Aid Commission Middle Class Scholarship?

The California Student Aid Commission’s Middle-Class Scholarship provides undergraduate students with family incomes up to $217,000 financial assistance to attend the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses. The middle class scholarship award covers up to 40% of tuition and fees, depending on family income and other financial aid the student receives.

Students can apply for this scholarship through the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application, ensuring eligibility for both U.S. citizens and qualifying undocumented students.

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