Jack Kent Cooke Foundation — Cooke College Scholarship Program

About this opportunity

The Cooke College Scholarship Program is the largest undergraduate scholarship program for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. It provides a monetary award that can cover a significant share of educational expenses, including tuition, living expenses, books, and fees, potentially up to $55,000 per year. Scholars also receive comprehensive educational advising, cohort-based programming, and access to a network of alumni, with the ability to pursue any area of study. The award is 'last dollar funding' after other institutional aid and can also include graduate school funding. Eligibility: Complete 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 2027. Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2027. Earn a minimum, cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above. Submit standardized test score(s) from one of the following: SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exam (no minimum score required). Demonstrate unmet financial need, with a family annual gross income up to $95,000.

Who can apply?

• Students
• National eligibility

What can funding be used for?

How to apply

Applications open on August 19, 2026, and must be submitted online through the Common App by November 11, 2026. Applicants need to submit two academic recommendations (one from an 11th-grade teacher), one counselor recommendation, a school report, unofficial transcripts, and standardized test scores. If chosen as a semifinalist, official transcripts may be requested later.