Students & Scholarships

Scholarship Eligibility & FAQs

What is 10,000 Degrees?

10,000 Degrees is the leading, equity-focused scholarship provider and college success nonprofit in California that supports students from low-income backgrounds to and through college.

Who is eligible for 10,000 Degrees scholarships?

The basic requirements for the 10,000 Degrees Undergraduate Scholarships are financial need and enrollment in pursuit of your first associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, teaching credential, or certification for a technical program. The enrollment minimum is 12 academic units. The majority of the scholarships we administer are available to students from the Bay Area, California regions we serve: Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Napa, and Lake counties, and Utah.

Is there a fee to apply for a 10,000 Degrees scholarship?

No. 10,000 Degrees does not charge a fee to apply for scholarships. Please be aware of scams. Students should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship or receive support.

Is there a GPA requirement to apply for a 10,000 Degrees scholarship?

No. 10,000 Degrees does not have a GPA requirement to apply.

How do students apply for 10,000 Degrees scholarships?

The application is available online. The priority deadline for the 2025-26 school year is March 3, 2025.

Does 10,000 Degrees have scholarships for graduate students?

Yes! We offer scholarships for graduate students studying law, medicine, nursing, journalism, pursuing a teaching credential, and more. Learn More.

What is the deadline to apply to the 10,000 Degrees scholarships?

The priority deadline for applications to be submitted each year is March 3rd. The application will be open until all scholarship funds are distributed. All supplemental materials must be uploaded to the online application or postmarked on the same date as your submission. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. It is your responsibility to respond to all requests for information in a timely manner.

How much money can students receive?

Scholarship awards can be up to $1,500 per student per academic year. Individual amounts at, above, or below that amount depend on specific scholarship guidelines, student financial need, and school attending or will attend.

How are scholarship awards determined?

Because overall funding is limited, all scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, including meeting eligibility requirements, financial need, and personal statements. Renewal applicants must reapply to our scholarship and must demonstrate continued financial need and academic progress.

Which colleges and universities are eligible?

Eligible colleges and universities must be accredited through an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and participate in the Title IX federal student aid program. These are typically non-profit colleges. However, there are a few scholarships that do support for-profit colleges.

Are part-time students eligible?

Students must be enrolled in at least 12 units per semester or term during the current academic year.

What if a student needs to drop a class or reduce enrollment?

If a student must drop below 12 units per semester or term, they should contact their 10,000 Degrees College Success Advisor as soon as possible.

When can a student expect to hear if they were awarded a scholarship?

Applicants will receive an email providing an update on their scholarship application status in the summer.

If a student is awarded a scholarship, what services will they receive?

Support for students awarded a 10,000 Degrees scholarship doesn’t end with a check! 10,000 Degrees scholarship recipients may receive support from our trained Fellows, who provide ongoing mentorship both on campus and off during the entire college journey. After graduation, our Career and Alumni Success Team provides career mentorship, guidance, internship opportunities, networking events, and more.

How, when, and where do students receive their checks?

If awarded a scholarship from 10,000 Degrees, students must accept their scholarship and provide unofficial college transcripts to verify enrollment. Fall awards (half of total award) will be issued to students in one of the following ways:

Zelle
Direct Deposit/ACH
Paper check mailed to the student address on file

Awards will be made payable directly to the student. To receive spring awards, students must submit their Fall grades and Spring schedules.

How are colleges notified of awarded scholarships?

IMPORTANT: It is the responsibility of the student to notify the school’s financial aid office when they have been awarded a 10,000 Degrees scholarship.

Can scholarships be renewed each year?

Yes, scholarships are renewable.

How do students renew their scholarships?

All students must submit a renewal application which will be emailed to all scholarship recipients in January.

Already received a 10,000 Degrees scholarship? Contact us today about renewing your scholarship.

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