For a student finishing high school in 2027, finding money for college can feel like a race through forms and deadlines that do not line up. Two national applications remain open this fall, but they serve different profiles: the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation looks for exceptional academic achievement alongside financial need; Equitable Excellence accepts a broader academic range if applicants meet its other rules. A useful comparison starts with the type of college, GPA and financial documents—not the largest headline amount.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation accepts applications for its 2027 College Scholarship through November 11, 2026. It is for students graduating in spring 2027 and entering an accredited four-year college in fall. Applicants need a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75, a score from the SAT, ACT, AP or IB—with no minimum score—and demonstrated financial need. The foundation considers families with gross income up to $95,000 but reviews income and assets, so meeting that figure alone is not enough. Applications go through Common App with transcripts, school reports and recommendations. Support can reach $55,000 per year after other aid and varies with college costs and the student’s resources.
The Equitable Excellence Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America for Equitable Foundation, is open through December 22, 2026 at 3 p.m. Central Time. Applicants must be seniors at public high schools, have at least a 2.5 GPA and enroll full time at an accredited two- or four-year U.S. college. The program plans up to 100 renewable awards of $5,000 a year for up to four years; $20,000 is a potential total, not a guaranteed payment. Applications require a complete transcript and the first two pages of Form 1040, with Social Security and bank-account numbers blacked out. Applicants also consent to publication of their name, plans and photographs for program promotion.
Before applying, organize transcripts, recommender contacts and tax information, and confirm every rule in the official portal: an incomplete application or ineligible school can disqualify you. Completing the 2027–28 FAFSA is another important step for federal aid and estimating net cost, but it does not replace a private scholarship or guarantee a grant. Avoid paying third parties that promise to secure an award; apply through each program’s official link and do not send sensitive documents by ordinary email. Dates may change in future cycles, so this guide reflects the applications reviewed on October 12, 2026.
Compare the options and confirm eligibility and deadlines directly with the program before applying.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
44325 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne, VA 20176
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation focuses on high-achieving students with financial need and supports several stages of education: high school seniors, community college students seeking to transfer and graduate students. For families comparing aid, its distinctive feature is the combination of funding
National scholarships for high-achieving students with financial need, from high school through college transfer
Equitable Excellence Scholarship Program — Scholarship America
7900 International Drive, Suite 660, Minneapolis, MN 55425
Equitable Excellence was established by Equitable Foundation and is administered by Scholarship America, a nonprofit that manages programs for foundations, companies and associations. It is aimed at seniors at public high schools in the 50 states, Washington, D.C. or Puerto Rico who plan to study fu
Renewable award for public high school seniors entering a two- or four-year college
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Jack Kent Cooke Foundation ↗
Primary source
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Jack Kent Cooke Foundation ↗
Primary source
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Jack Kent Cooke Foundation ↗
Primary source
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Jack Kent Cooke Foundation ↗
Primary source
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Equitable Excellence Scholarship Program — Scholarship America ↗
Primary source
Scholarship America, administrador del programa · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Equitable Excellence Scholarship Program — Scholarship America ↗
Primary source
Scholarship America · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Equitable Excellence Scholarship Program — Scholarship America ↗
Primary source
Scholarship America, administrador del programa · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Scholarship America · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Jack Kent Cooke Foundation ↗
Primary source
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Equitable Excellence Scholarship Program — Scholarship America ↗
Primary source
Scholarship America · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.