KENTUCKY EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP
The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) provides Kentucky high school students with money for tuition and education-related expenses. Check out the frequently asked questions below to learn more about the program.
How do I earn KEES money?
Just earn a 2.75 GPA or better in each year of high school. An ACT composite score of 15 or above (or the equivalent SAT) will also earn you a bonus award. You must qualify for at least one GPA award to receive the bonus.
KEES Award Amounts
GPAAward AmountACT ScoreSAT RangeBonus Amount
4.0$50028 or above1300-1600$500
3.9$475271260-1290$464
3.8$450261230-1250$428
3.75$437251200-1220$393
3.7$425241160-1190$357
3.6$400231130-1150$321
3.5$375221100-1120$286
3.4$350211060-1090$250
3.3$325201030-1050$214
3.25$31219990-1020$179
3.2$30018960-980$143
3.1$27517920-950$107
3.0$25016880-910$71
2.9$22515830-870$36
2.8$200
2.75$187
KHEAA uses the ACT composite scores from national exams and the SAT Math + Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (ERW) scores for KEES purposes.
Students who are eligible for free or reduced-
price lunches, based on family income, during any year of high school can earn additional bonuses by making qualifying scores on Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge Advanced International (CAI) exams. AP classes are not a requirement for taking AP exams. Do I have to attend a certain high school or take specific classes?
Funding Your Future
Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate International International Cambridge Advanced International
Exam Score Bonus Amount Exam Score Bonus Amount Exam Score
3 $200 5 $200 e
4 $250 6 $250 c or d
5 $300 7 $300 a*, a or b
Do I have to attend a certain high school or take specific classes?
All students who are Kentucky residents and attending certified public or private high schools in Kentucky are eligible to earn KEES money. Home-schooled students and students attending non-certified high schools are eligible for only an ACT bonus award.
You do not have to take certain classes to earn KEES. AP, IB, CAI and dual credit courses are weighted on a five-point scale for KEES purposes, meaning an ‘A’ in those courses is worth more than others.
Do I have to apply for the scholarship?
No, there is no application! Your school will report your GPA to KHEAA at the end of each school year, and KHEAA will notify you about your award.
What should I do if my award information is incorrect? Ask your high school counselor to make the necessary changes.
What happens to my KEES if I graduate from high school early?
If you graduate in three years, you will be awarded the equivalent of a fourth year of KEES, which will be the average of the awards you earned in the first three years of high school.
How long do I have to use my KEES?
You can receive KEES for up to eight academic terms in an undergraduate degree program. It must be used within five years of high school graduation. Active duty service members may request an extension.
KEES awards are funded by Kentucky Lottery revenue.