Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is a prestigious opportunity for high-achieving high school seniors who demonstrate financial need. This program, which is the largest of its kind for undergraduate studies, aims to facilitate access to the nation's top-tier four-year colleges and universities. The benefits of being a Cooke Scholar extend beyond the financial award. Scholars also receive comprehensive educational advising, cohort-based programming, and funding for graduate school. Furthermore, they join a vibrant community of nearly 3,200 Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

The scholarship is designed to cover a substantial portion of the student's educational expenses, including tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees. The amount awarded varies from student to student, taking into account the cost of tuition and any other grants or scholarships the student may receive.

Key features of this highly competitive scholarship include:

• The potential to graduate with minimal debt. The award, which is applied after all institutional aid, can provide up to $55,000 per year for a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution.
• The freedom to pursue any area of study.
• Personal advising on college selection and financial aid navigation.
• Comprehensive advising on transitioning to college and optimizing the college student experience.

Eligibility

Prospective applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Senior Standing – Applicants must have completed four years of high school in the U.S., a U.S territory, or on a U.S. military base and plan to graduate in spring 2026.
• Fall College Enrollment – Applicants must intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2026.
• GPA – Applicants must have earned a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above.
• Test Scores — Applicants must submit standardized test score(s) from one of the following: SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exam. There is no minimum score requirement to apply, but applicants must have taken one (or more) of these tests and submit the score.
• Demonstrate Unmet Financial Need – Applicants with a family adjusted gross income up to $95,000 will be considered. The Foundation will conduct a full financial review during the selection process, considering all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents.

Selection Criteria

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation employs a committee of educational professionals from across the nation to review each College Scholarship Program application individually. The selection process is based on the following criteria:

• Academic ability and achievement: Applicants should maintain a strong academic record, receive outstanding recommendations from teachers, show a desire to be challenged, and demonstrate enthusiasm for learning. Eligible applicants must have a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75.
• Leadership: Applicants should motivate others, take initiative, and contribute positively to their community.
• Persistence: Applicants should exhibit determination in the face of obstacles, be goal-oriented, and demonstrate an ability to adapt to change.
• Unmet financial need: Applicants with a maximum annual gross income of $95,000 will be considered. Last year’s cohort of new College Scholarship recipients had a median family income of approximately $34,000. During the selection process, the Foundation will conduct a full financial review, considering all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents.