UCSD Middle Class Scholarship: What's the deal?

I'm looking into the costs of attending UCSD and heard about the Middle Class Scholarship. Does anyone know how it works? How much aid can students typically expect to receive, and what are the eligibility requirements?

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is a program in California that provides undergraduate students with family incomes and assets up to $217,000 a reduction in tuition at University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses.

To be eligible for the MCS, you should be a California resident and a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold a certain legal status. You have to be enrolled at least half-time, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and not default on any student loans. The MCS is also reserved for students who do not have a professional degree or a degree beyond a bachelor’s.

In terms of aid amounts, it's dependent on your family’s income and assets, and importantly, the amount of other state and institution need-based grants awarded. As the MCS is designed to cover the remaining tuition not covered by other grants, the amount awarded varies. Remember, though, the MCS won’t exceed 40% of the systemwide tuition and fees. For instance, if you already receive a Cal Grant that covers all your tuition, you will not receive additional funds from MCS.

The application process for the MCS is fairly straightforward: you just fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application by the March 2 deadline. The CA Student Aid Commission will automatically consider you for the MCS when you apply.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions about the Middle Class Scholarship or anything else related to UCSD's financial aid programs.