I'm starting to look at colleges, and California is a major preference. Scholarships are going to be a big part of my decision process though. Can anyone recommend California colleges that offer great scholarship opportunities?
Sure, California is home to numerous colleges that offer substantial scholarship opportunities. It's important, though, to differentiate between what kind of scholarships you're looking for: merit-based or need-based.
If you're looking for need-based aid, then private colleges like Stanford University, and many of the colleges within the University of California (UC) system such as UCLA and UC Berkeley, have robust financial aid programs. Stanford, for instance, states that families earning less than $125,000 per year pay no tuition, and those earning less than $65,000 per year pay no room, board, or tuition.
The UC system, in general, has a strong commitment to assisting students and families with financial need through their Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. If you're a California resident whose family earns less than $80,000 per year and you qualify for financial aid, you'll have your systemwide tuition and fees covered.
For merit-based scholarships, the University of Southern California has multiple scholarships, some of which cover full tuition. The USC Trustee Scholarship, for instance, offers full-tuition funding and is awarded based on a student's academic performance – there's no separate application for it. On the other hand, the USC Mork Family Scholarship provides full tuition plus a $5,000 annual stipend and does require a separate application.
Additionally, the California State University (CSU) system has campuses that offer merit-based scholarships, varying by campus. For instance, San Diego State University's President's Scholars Program offers up to $30,000, personalized advising, a place in the Honors College, housing, and more.
Make sure to research individual schools within these systems, as opportunities can vary greatly. Best of luck in your search!
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