The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors who demonstrate financial need. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, leadership skills, community service, and perseverance. Interesting, right? Keep reading!
Students intending to pursue a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply.
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship is designed for high-achieving high school seniors with financial needs, aiming to attend top four-year colleges and universities in the U.S.
As the nation’s largest scholarship program of its kind, it provides recipients with financial support, college planning assistance, ongoing advising, and access to the Cooke College Scholars alumni network.
Founded in 2000 by entrepreneur Jack Kent Cooke, the foundation has awarded over $250 million in scholarships to nearly 3,200 scholars and alumni.
The Cooke College Scholars Program, the focus of this guide, seeks applicants who excel academically, demonstrate leadership, persist through challenges, and show financial need.
Scholarship Amount
The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship can offer up to $55,000 per academic year for up to four years, covering tuition, room and board, books, and other fees. Scholarship renewal depends on the recipient’s academic performance and progress.
The scholarship does not cover online or non-degree programs and is only partially available for dual-degree programs.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be high school seniors
- Plan to attend a four-year college in the fall
- Have a cumulative, unweighted GPA of at least 3.5
- Demonstrate unmet financial need with an annual income of no more than $95,000
READ ALSO!!!
- Gilman Scholarship
- Cameron Impact Scholarship
- T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship
- DAAD Scholarship 2025-2026
- Gates Scholarship
Application Process
The application requires:
- An official high school transcript
- Two letters of recommendation (one from an 11th-grade core academic teacher)
- Family financial information
- Several short essays
- Test scores are not required and will not be considered. Applications are accepted through the Common Application. Strong recommendation letters and well-crafted essays are crucial for a successful application.
Apply HERE
Scholarship Timeline
Application opens:
- August 24th
Application deadline:
- November 16th
Semifinalists announced:
- January
Scholarship winners announced:
- March
Applicants should prepare early, ensuring recommendation letters and financial documents are ready before the application period.
By providing significant financial support and resources, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship helps reduce the cost of college, alleviate financial stress, and potentially eliminate debt upon graduation.
Check out other unique articles on our blog for more detailed information, and do well to share with your friends and family. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated with premium information.
