The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship provides up to $55,000 per year to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. This award funds undergraduate study at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States. Scholars use the funding to cover the full cost of their education, including tuition, room, board, and required fees.
Recipients join a prestigious community of scholars and receive comprehensive academic advising to help them transition to college. The foundation provides three specific forms of support: one-on-one college counseling, financial aid advocacy, and internship stipends. These resources ensure students maximize their undergraduate experience and prepare for graduate-level studies.
This post contains the latest facts for the 2026 scholarship cycle to ensure applicants meet current deadlines and eligibility standards. Many students search for “Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship 2026 requirements” or “JKCF deadline 2026” to plan their transition to university. Using updated data prevents submission errors and helps students secure one of the 40 to 60 available spots for the upcoming academic year.
Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Location: Any accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
- Institution(s): Students choose their own institution, such as Ivy League schools, public state universities, or private liberal arts colleges.
- Program Period: 4 years of undergraduate study.
- Course offered: All academic disciplines, including STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
- Deadline: November 2026.
Scholarship Coverage
The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship functions as a last-dollar award to cover the remaining gap after other institutional aid is applied. The foundation provides up to $55,000 annually to ensure students graduate without debt. This funding covers four essential costs: tuition, room and board, books, and required student fees.
Beyond direct financial support, the program offers three professional benefits: personalized academic advising, a network of 3,200 active scholars, and opportunities for study abroad grants. Students also receive a $5,000 stipend for unpaid internships, if they pursue professional development during the summer.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet three primary eligibility requirements to qualify for the 2026-27 scholarship cycle. First, students must graduate from a U.S. high school in the spring of 2026. Second, they must demonstrate a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Third, the foundation requires a maximum annual family income of $95,000 or less.
The selection committee evaluates three qualitative traits during the review process: academic excellence, persistence, and service to others. Candidates demonstrate these traits through high grades, leadership roles in school clubs, and consistent community involvement. The foundation welcomes applications from students of all citizenships, if they attend a high school in the United States.
Application Process
The application process involves two distinct phases conducted through the Common App. Students must complete the Common App first, as the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation uses this platform to collect basic educational and personal data.
To submit a complete application, follow these four steps:
- Create a Common App account and add the “Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship” to your “My Colleges” list.
- Upload required documents, such as official high school transcripts, a detailed activities list, and the YEAR tax returns.
- Submit three letters of recommendation, including two from core academic teachers and one from a school counselor.
- Draft two required essays that highlight your personal challenges, academic goals, and community impact.
The foundation selects approximately 500 semifinalists in January 2026. These students must then submit a mid-year grade report and additional financial documentation, if the committee requests further verification.
Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Deadline
The deadline for the Class of 2027 Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship is November 2026. The foundation announces the list of semifinalists in January 2027 and notifies the final winners in April 2027. You must submit all materials through the online portal, as the foundation does not accept applications via mail or email.
