Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship 2026

Overview

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation funds the most generous undergraduate scholarship available to high-achieving high school seniors from low- and moderate-income families in the US. The award covers up to four years of undergraduate study at any accredited four-year college or university in the country, with a maximum award value of $55,000 per year. The 2026 cycle closes 12 November 2026.

Benefits

• Up to $55,000 per year for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
• Renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.
• Personal advising from a Cooke scholar advisor throughout the programme.
• Access to Cooke Scholars Network for internships, mentoring, and graduate-school transition.

Eligibility

• US high school senior planning to enrol full-time in a four-year accredited college in autumn 2027.
• Cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Family adjusted gross income of $95,000 or less per year, or equivalent demonstrated need.
• Strong academic record, leadership, and service to the community.

How to apply

1. Create an account at the Cooke Foundation application portal at the source link.
2. Complete the application: essays, transcripts, leadership and service activities, two recommendation letters.
3. Submit financial documentation (parent or guardian tax records).
4. Submit before 12 November 2026. Finalists are interviewed in early 2027; winners notified by April 2027.