Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship 2027: Up to $55,000 a Year
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program 2027 is a highly competitive undergraduate scholarship for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need.
- FundingUp to $55,000 per year
- DurationUp to 4 years
- Who can applyEligible students who complete high school in the U.S. or…
- Application feeFree
Overview
The scholarship is last-dollar funding, meaning the Cooke Foundation award is calculated after other institutional financial aid and scholarships.
The Cooke College Scholarship supports high-achieving students who have demonstrated financial need and plan to attend a four-year college.
Scholars can use the award toward educational costs such as tuition, living expenses, books and required fees. The scholarship can be used for any area of study at an accredited undergraduate institution.
Recipients also receive college-planning and academic advising and become part of the Cooke Scholar community.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Undergraduate Scholarship
- Host
- Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
- Study location
- United States
- Duration
- Up to 4 years
- Application opens
- August 19, 2026
- Minimum GPA
- 3.75 unweighted
- Event
- Date
- Application opens
- August 19, 2026
- College enrollment
- Fall 2027
Funding
- Award
- Up to $55,000 per year
- Application fee
- Free
Eligibility
- Minimum degree required
- High school completion
- Nationality
- Eligible students who complete high school in the U.S. or qualifying locations
- Age limit
- Must be a current high school senior planning to graduate in the spring term and enroll full-time in an accredited four-year undergraduate college or university the following fall.
- Work experience
- Not required
Who can apply
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Complete four years of high school in the United States, a U.S. territory, or on a U.S. military base
- Plan to graduate from high school in spring 2027
- Intend to enroll full-time in an accredited four-year college in fall 2027
- Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.75
- Have taken at least one of the following standardized tests: SAT, ACT, AP or IB
- Demonstrate unmet financial need
Applicants need a minimum 3.75 cumulative unweighted GPA.
The Foundation also considers academic achievement, test scores, advanced coursework, commitment to learning and intellectual curiosity during selection.
There is no minimum SAT, ACT, AP or IB score requirement, but applicants must have taken at least one of these tests and submit the score.
What you get
Selected scholars may receive:
- Up to $55,000 per year
- Funding toward tuition
- Support for living expenses
- Books and required fees
- College planning and financial-aid advising
- Ongoing academic and career advising
- Access to the Cooke Scholar and Alumni community
- Potential opportunities for internships, conferences and study abroad
How to apply
- Confirm that you meet the academic, financial and high-school eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your academic and extracurricular information.
- Submit the required standardized test information.
- Complete the Cooke College Scholarship application.
- Submit your application before November 11, 2026.
- Shortlisted applicants proceed through the Foundation’s selection process.
Is It Fully Funded?
The scholarship can cover a significant share of the student’s educational costs, but the exact award varies by student.
It is last-dollar funding, meaning the Cooke Foundation calculates its award after considering other grants and scholarships. The maximum award is $55,000 per year.
Therefore, it is better described as a major undergraduate scholarship with up to $55,000/year in funding, rather than guaranteeing that every recipient’s entire cost of attendance will be covered.
Minimum Degree Required
Applicants must be high school seniors planning to begin a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year institution in fall 2027.
Nationality
This is not a worldwide scholarship.
Eligibility is based primarily on where the applicant completed high school. Applicants must complete four years of high school in the U.S., a U.S. territory, or on a U.S. military base.
Financial Need
Financial need is an important part of the selection process.
The Foundation states that it will consider applicants with annual family gross income of up to $95,000. A full financial review considers the income and assets of the student and their parents.
Meeting the income guideline does not guarantee selection.
Work Experience
No professional work experience is required.
The selection process also considers leadership and persistence, including initiative, community involvement and the ability to overcome challenges.
Hidden Charges
There is no application fee.
The Foundation’s application is free to submit. Applicants should use the official application process and should not pay anyone claiming to charge a Cooke Scholarship application or processing fee.
Official Link
Final Note
The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship 2027 is a highly competitive opportunity for high-achieving U.S. high school seniors with financial need. With awards of up to $55,000 per year, it can significantly reduce the cost of a four-year undergraduate education.
Deadline: November 11, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship provide?
Up to $55,000 per year toward a bachelor’s degree.
Is the application free?
Yes. There is no application fee.
Can international students apply?
This is not a general international scholarship. Applicants must complete four years of high school in the U.S., a U.S. territory or on a U.S. military base.
What GPA is required?
A minimum cumulative 3.75 unweighted GPA.
Is there an age limit?
The Foundation does not state a specific age limit for this scholarship.
Do I need work experience?
No.
Can I study any subject?
Yes. The scholarship allows scholars to pursue any area of study at an accredited undergraduate institution.
What is the deadline?
The deadline for the 2027 College Scholarship Program is November 11, 2026.
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