jack kent cooke scholarship 2027

Jack Kent Cooke (JKC) Foundation Scholarship is one of the nation’s most comprehensive and generous scholarship programs, dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Established by the late businessman and philanthropist Jack Kent Cooke, the Foundation’s mission is rooted in the belief that financial barriers should not prevent the most talented students from reaching their full potential. This scholarship, particularly the College Scholarship Program, provides substantial financial assistance and critical advisory support for high-achieving high school seniors seeking to enroll in the nation’s most selective four-year universities. Also check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (UK)

The financial scope of the JKCF is unmatched among private scholarship organizations. As “last dollar funding” after all institutional aid is accounted for, the award provides up to $55,000 per year for up to four years, enabling scholars to graduate with as little debt as possible. This includes tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees. Beyond the undergraduate years, Cooke Scholars are also eligible to apply for the prestigious Cooke Graduate Scholarship, which can provide up to $150,000 for advanced degree studies, creating a seamless path for intellectual development from high school through graduate school.

The Foundation seeks more than just academic excellence; it looks for students who demonstrate persistence, leadership, and a commitment to service. The selection process is holistic, evaluating candidates based on their strong academic records (with the median GPA often approaching 4.0), their enthusiasm for challenge and learning, and their ability to motivate others and contribute positively to their community. The typical JKCF College Scholar has already held leadership roles and been deeply involved in community service, embodying the Foundation’s values.

Crucially, this scholarship is designed to serve students who face significant economic obstacles. With a maximum family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) considered for applicants up to $95,000 annually, the Foundation targets those for whom the cost of attending a top-tier college would otherwise be insurmountable. By providing comprehensive funding and personalized college planning support, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation ensures that these scholars have the resources, guidance, and network needed to thrive at highly selective institutions and maximize their post-secondary experience. Also check: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees 2026 – Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Benefits

The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program provides extensive, multi-faceted benefits:

• Generous Financial Support: Up to $55,000 per year, covering tuition, books, required fees, and living expenses. This is “last dollar funding,” meaning it covers remaining costs after all other institutional aid has been applied.
• Personalized Advising: One-on-one college planning and advising support throughout the college application process and beyond.
• Networking Opportunities: Access to a thriving national network of over 3,600 current and alumni Cooke Scholars, faculty, and administrators.
• Graduate School Funding: Eligibility to apply for the Cooke Graduate Scholarship (up to $150,000) for further studies after graduation.
• Stipends: Opportunity to apply for internship and study abroad stipends.
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Eligibility Criteria

• Current Student Status: Be a current high school senior who plans to graduate in the spring of 2026.
• Enrollment Intent: Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college or university in the fall of 2026.
• High School Location: Must have completed or plan to complete four years of high school in the U.S., a U.S. territory, or on a U.S. military base.
• Academic Achievement: Earn a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 (the competitive average GPA is often higher).
• Standardized Tests: Must submit score(s) from at least one of the following: SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exam. (There is no minimum score, but submission is required).
• Financial Need: Demonstrate significant unmet financial need. The Foundation considers applicants with family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) up to $95,000.

Required Documents

The application is submitted using the Common App platform, which bundles several components:

• Completed Common Application: Including general information, activities, and honors.
• JKCF Specific Essays: Several short essays written in response to the Foundation’s specific prompts regarding academic passion, leadership, and persistence.
• Official High School Transcript: Submitted directly by the school counselor through the Common App system.
• Two Academic Recommendations: One recommendation must be from an 11th-grade teacher in a core academic subject, and the second from another teacher or professor who has worked with the student in the last four years.
• Family Financial Information: Detailed financial review, including the last three years’ Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for the household.
• Standardized Test Scores: Self-reported scores from the SAT, ACT, AP, or IB.
• Also check: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Graduate Programs in France

Deadline

The application window is fixed annually and strictly adheres to the following deadlines for the 2026 entry cycle:

Step by step Application Process

1. Meet Minimum Eligibility: Verify that you meet all minimum requirements, especially the GPA (3.5+) and family AGI ($95,000 max).
2. Create/Update Common App: Begin a Common App account (or update your existing one).
3. Add JKCF to College List: To access the scholarship-specific questions, add the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as one of your “schools” in the Common App system.
4. Complete All Sections: Fill out the general Common App sections and the detailed JKCF sections, including the essays and financial information.
5. Invite Recommenders: Through the Common App system, formally invite your school counselor (for the transcript) and two academic teachers (for the recommendation letters).
6. Self-Report Test Scores: Self-report the scores from your required standardized test (SAT, ACT, AP, or IB) in the Common App testing section.
7. Submit Application: Ensure all components are complete and submit the final application by the November 12, 2025, deadline. The system will not allow incomplete submission.