Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program 2026, USA (Up to $55,000 Per Year in USA)
The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the United States. It is designed for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who wish to attend top four-year colleges and universities. The program not only provides generous financial support but also offers academic advising, mentorship, leadership development, and access to a powerful alumni network.
Degree Level
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)
Available Subjects
Cooke Scholars can pursue any undergraduate major, including but not limited to:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Social Sciences
- Humanities and Arts
- Education
- Law, Policy, and International Relations
There are no restrictions on the field of study as long as the student enrolls in a fully accredited four-year bachelor’s program.
Benefits
The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning it covers the remaining cost after all other financial aid is applied.
Selected students can receive up to $55,000 per year, which may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Room and board
- Books and required academic materials
- Living expenses
- Other mandatory university fees
In addition to financial support, scholars receive:
- One-on-one college and financial aid advising
- Academic and career guidance
- Access to leadership and networking programs
- Eligibility for internship, travel, and graduate school funding
- Membership in a community of over 3,200 Cooke Scholars and alumni
Eligible Nationalities
- All nationalities (Applicants must attend high school in the United States or a U.S. territory)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a high school senior completing four years of high school in the U.S., U.S. territory, or U.S. military base
- Must plan to graduate in Spring
- Must plan to enroll in a four-year accredited college in Fall
- Must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.75 or higher
- Must have taken at least one standardized test: SAT, ACT, AP, or IB
- Must demonstrate financial need (family income up to $95,000 is considered)
- Must not already be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program
- Homeschooled students are eligible
Note: Students with a GED or those taking a gap year before applying are not eligible.
Application Procedure
The application is submitted through the Common App.
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
- Create an account at CommonApp.org
- Add Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as one of your colleges
- Complete the general Common App profile
- Submit:
- Academic information
- Test scores (SAT, ACT, AP, or IB)
- Extracurricular activities and honors
- Short essay responses
- Intended major
- Family income and financial details (last 3 years AGI)
- Invite:
- One school counselor
- Two academic teachers for recommendations
- Submit your application before the deadline
Application Deadline
- Open: August 20
- Deadline: November 12
Note: Deadlines vary each year, visit official website for more information.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence
- Financial need
- Leadership ability
- Community service
- Personal resilience and perseverance