Updated October 2026 by Carson Flowers, from Kentucky's official program pages.
The short answer: KEES has no passing score. Every year of high school GPA earns money, up to $500 a year for a 4.0, and a one-time test bonus adds up to $500 at a 28 ACT or a 1300 SAT. Together a top student can receive up to $2,500 a year in college.
The score and GPA for each tier
| Tier | SAT | ACT | GPA | What it pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEES GPA award | No score needed | No score needed | Up to $500 at a 4.0, earned separately for each year of high school | Up to $500 for each high school year, added together toward the college award |
| KEES ACT/SAT bonus | Starts at 830, maximum at 1300 | Starts at 15, maximum at 28 | Same GPA eligibility as the GPA award | Up to $500, based on the single highest score before graduation |
KEES test bonus by score
| ACT composite | SAT (Reading and Writing plus Math) | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 28 or higher | 1300 or higher | $500 |
| 27 | 1260 to 1290 | $464 |
| 26 | $428 | |
| 25 | 1200 to 1220 | $393 |
| 24 | $357 | |
| 22 | 1100 to 1120 | $286 |
| 20 | $214 | |
| 990 to 1020 | $179 | |
| 18 | $143 | |
| 16 | $71 | |
| 15 | $36 |
Beyond the score:
- KEES GPA award: Meet the KEES curriculum each year and graduate from a certified Kentucky high school or other approved high school.
- KEES ACT/SAT bonus: SAT uses Evidence-Based Reading and Writing plus Math only.
How the test score counts
KHEAA uses the single highest ACT composite or SAT score your teen earns before high school graduation. If your teen takes both tests, KHEAA uses whichever one earns the bigger bonus. For the SAT, only Evidence-Based Reading and Writing plus Math count.
How the GPA is calculated
Each high school year's GPA earns its own amount, so a strong senior year does not raise a weak freshman year. AP, IB, Cambridge Advanced International and dual-credit classes count on a 5-point scale for KEES, so an A in those classes is worth more.
Which class year these rules cover
KHEAA publishes one set of KEES award tables for current students. Confirm the amounts with your teen's school counselor during senior year.
Deadlines
| What | When |
|---|---|
| KEES application | None. The high school reports each year's GPA to KHEAA at the end of the school year |
| College GPA check for renewal | End of each spring term |
Testing has its own clock: see every 2026-27 date in Kentucky SAT test dates.
Keeping it in college
In the first year of college your teen needs a 2.50 cumulative GPA. After that, a 3.00 keeps the full award, or a 2.50 to 2.99 with the college confirming your teen is on track to graduate. A 2.50 to 2.99 without being on track cuts the award in half for a full-time student, and below 2.50 loses it for the next year. KEES pays for up to 8 fall and spring terms within 5 years of high school graduation.
Where it pays
Participating Kentucky colleges and universities, with at least half-time enrollment. Kentucky residents can also use it out of state through the Academic Common Market when their major is not offered in Kentucky.
The misconception: KEES has a passing score
Parents often ask what score their teen needs for KEES, expecting one cutoff. There is none. Every step up in GPA and every point on the ACT or SAT is worth a specific number of dollars, so the useful question is how much the next point is worth.
Free tool
Which of these numbers is your teen's target? Pick the Kentucky colleges on their list and get a target score and the gap from today's score in under a minute.
Find my teen's target scoreQuick answers
What SAT score does my teen need for KEES?
There is no single cutoff. The bonus starts at an 830 SAT and reaches the $500 maximum at 1300. For example, 1200 to 1220 earns $393 and 1260 to 1290 earns $464.
Does my teen have to apply for KEES?
No. The Kentucky high school reports each year's GPA to KHEAA automatically. Check with your counselor that your teen's information is on file.
Is the test bonus earned every year like the GPA award?
No, it is one amount based on the single highest score before graduation. The GPA award is earned separately for each of the four high school years.
What is the most KEES can pay?
Up to $2,500 a year in college. That is the GPA awards from four years at a 4.0 plus the $500 test bonus.
Do AP and dual-credit classes help with KEES?
Yes. AP, IB, Cambridge Advanced International and dual-credit classes count on a 5-point scale for the KEES GPA, so an A in those classes is worth more.
Can a homeschooled Kentucky student get KEES?
Yes, based on the test score alone. Homeschool and GED graduates ages 18 to 23 can earn a KEES award from their highest ACT or SAT score.
Sources
- KHEAA: KEES brochure (PDF)
- KHEAA: Scholarships and Grants
- KHEAA: Getting In, financial aid programs (PDF)
- University of Kentucky: KEES
Rules change by class year. Confirm with the program's own pages before you plan around any summary, ours included.
Turn the cutoff into a plan
Knowing the number is the easy part. In a free Strategy Session we put your teen's current score next to the KEES line and the ranges at their Kentucky colleges, then build the six to twelve week plan to close the gap. More for Kentucky families: Kentucky SAT prep and SAT Scores for Kentucky Colleges.