Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

The College Scholarship Program offered by the Cooke Foundation is the most substantial undergraduate scholarship program accessible to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who aspire to attend top-tier four-year colleges and universities in the country. Besides the financial award, Cooke Scholars are provided with extensive educational guidance, substantial cohort-based programming, funding for graduate school, and access to a vibrant network of nearly 3,200 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

The purpose of each award is to cover a substantial portion of the student’s educational costs, including tuition, living expenses, books, and mandatory fees. The amount of the award varies from student to student, depending on the tuition cost and any other grants or scholarships the student may receive.

Key features of this highly competitive scholarship include:

• The chance to graduate with minimal debt. The award, which is provided as last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can offer up to $55,000 per year to pursue a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution.
• The freedom to pursue any field of study.
• Personalized guidance on college selection and financial aid navigation.
• Comprehensive advice on transitioning to college and optimizing the college student experience.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

• Senior Standing – 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 – Must plan to enroll in an accredited four-year college starting in fall 2026.
• GPA – Must have a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above.
• Test Scores — 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. During the selection process, the Foundation will conduct a comprehensive financial review considering all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents.

Selection Criteria

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation individually reviews each College Scholarship Program application with the help of a committee of educational professionals from across the country. The selection process is based on the following criteria:

• Academic ability and achievement: Applicants should maintain a strong academic record, receive excellent recommendations from teachers, show a willingness to be challenged, and demonstrate a passion for learning. Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75.
• Leadership: Applicants should inspire others, take initiative, and make a positive contribution to the community.
• Persistence: Applicants should show determination in the face of obstacles, be goal-oriented, and demonstrate the ability to adapt to change.
• Unmet financial need: Applicants with a maximum annual gross income of $95,000 will be considered. The median family income of last year’s cohort of new College Scholarship recipients was approximately $34,000. During the selection process, the Foundation will conduct a comprehensive financial review considering all income and assets of the student and the student’s parents.