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    SAT and ACT in Kentucky

    Kentucky graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1147 on the SAT (4% took it) and 18.3 on the ACT (100% took it). Kentucky has 1 state merit scholarship that can count SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Kentucky's class of 2027 is 211. We cover 20 colleges in Kentucky. For fall 2027, 2 require the SAT or ACT, 1 requires a score only below a GPA cutoff, 16 let you choose whether to send a score and 1 doesn't look at scores.

    average SAT, class of 2026
    1147
    National Merit cutoff
    211
    state scholarship using scores
    1
    colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
    2

    Average SAT and ACT scores in Kentucky

    From the official reports College Board and ACT publish each fall for the graduating class. Compare states with care: an average depends on how many students take the test.

    SATClass of 2026Graduates who took it1,841Share of the class4%Average1147588 Reading and Writing, 559 MathNational average1045
    ACTClass of 2026Share of the class100%Average18.3National average19.2

    In the class of 2026, 1,841 Kentucky graduates (4% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1147 (588 in Reading and Writing, 559 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 4% of Kentucky's class took the SAT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.

    In the class of 2026, 100% of Kentucky graduates took the ACT and averaged 18.3, against 19.2 nationally. Nearly every Kentucky student takes the ACT, so the average covers the whole class, not just students aiming at selective colleges.

    See where a score stands nationally with the SAT percentile calculator, or what a 1150 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.

    Sources: College Board, 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report: Kentucky · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026

    Testing in Kentucky high schools

    Every Kentucky public school junior takes the SAT in school. Kentucky switched from the ACT to the SAT in spring 2026.

    Source: Kentucky Department of Education · Checked October 31, 2026

    Kentucky merit scholarships

    State programs for Kentucky residents that count SAT or ACT scores. Each card shows the score and GPA minimums we track; the program's own page has every rule.

    • Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES)

      State program · In-state students

      $36/year bonus (added to base award)

      • 2.75+ GPA, 830+ SAT or 15+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 15 / SAT 830-870; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 880+ SAT or 16+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 16 / SAT 880-910; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 920+ SAT or 17+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 17 / SAT 920-950; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 960+ SAT or 18+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 18 / SAT 960-980; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 990+ SAT or 19+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 19 / SAT 990-1020; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 1030+ SAT or 20+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 20 / SAT 1030-1050; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 1060+ SAT or 21+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 21 / SAT 1060-1090; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 1100+ SAT or 22+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 22 / SAT 1100-1120; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 1130+ SAT or 23+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 23 / SAT 1130-1150; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 1160+ SAT or 24+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 24 / SAT 1160-1190; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 1200+ SAT or 25+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 25 / SAT 1200-1220; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 1230+ SAT or 26+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 26 / SAT 1230-1250; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 1260+ SAT or 27+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 27 / SAT 1260-1290; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, 1300+ SAT or 28+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 28+ / SAT 1300-1600; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
      • 2.75+ GPA, Base award (GPA only; no test component); Graduate of certified KY high school; meet KEES curriculum requirements; not a convicted felon, from Kentucky
      • 830+ SAT or 15+ ACT, Homeschool / non-certified school / KY GED graduates (test-only award); KY homeschool or non-certified school graduate, or KY GED earned between ages 18 and 23
      Details

    National Merit in Kentucky

    For the class of 2027, students in Kentucky needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 211 to become National Merit Semifinalists. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.

    Work out your index with the Selection Index calculator, compare states in National Merit cutoffs by state, and see which colleges reward it in colleges with National Merit scholarships.

    Source: NMSC, Guide to the National Merit Scholarship Program

    Colleges in Kentucky

    Test policies for fall 2027, and the SAT and ACT scores of the middle 50% of enrolled freshmen. Largest colleges first; each links to its full page.

    University of KentuckyLexingtonTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate94%SAT, middle 50%1058 to 1270ACT, middle 50%21 to 28
    University of LouisvilleLouisvilleTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate79%SAT, middle 50%1010 to 1230ACT, middle 50%19 to 27
    Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmondTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate78%SAT, middle 50%880 to 1080ACT, middle 50%19 to 25
    Western Kentucky UniversityBowling GreenTest policyTest optionalRequired below a 2.5 unweighted GPAAcceptance rate91%SAT, middle 50%930 to 1130ACT, middle 50%18 to 25
    Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland HeightsTest policyTest blindAcceptance rate83%SAT, middle 50%953 to 1150ACT, middle 50%18 to 25
    Murray State UniversityMurrayTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate84%SAT, middle 50%970 to 1170ACT, middle 50%19 to 26
    Morehead State UniversityMoreheadTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate77%SAT, middle 50%Not publishedACT, middle 50%Not published
    Bellarmine UniversityLouisvilleTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate94%SAT, middle 50%1076 to 1300ACT, middle 50%19 to 26
    Lindsey Wilson UniversityColumbiaTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rateabout 100%SAT, middle 50%Not publishedACT, middle 50%Not published
    Berea CollegeBereaTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate19%SAT, middle 50%1156 to 1335ACT, middle 50%23 to 28
    Centre CollegeDanvilleTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate48%SAT, middle 50%1160 to 1450ACT, middle 50%26 to 31
    Thomas More UniversityCrestview HillsTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate90%SAT, middle 50%1030 to 1230ACT, middle 50%21 to 27
    Midway UniversityMidwayTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate95%SAT, middle 50%1100 to 1170ACT, middle 50%20 to 25
    Georgetown CollegeGeorgetownTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate91%SAT, middle 50%960 to 1160ACT, middle 50%20 to 25
    Transylvania UniversityLexingtonTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate87%SAT, middle 50%1120 to 1380ACT, middle 50%24 to 30
    The Southern Baptist Theological SeminaryLouisvilleTest policyTest requiredAcceptance rate56%SAT, middle 50%1010 to 1230ACT, middle 50%19 to 27
    Kentucky Wesleyan CollegeOwensboroTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate72%SAT, middle 50%890 to 1130ACT, middle 50%16 to 23
    Spalding UniversityLouisvilleTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate99%SAT, middle 50%875 to 1038ACT, middle 50%15 to 22
    Alice Lloyd CollegePippa PassesTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate75%SAT, middle 50%710 to 960ACT, middle 50%16 to 22
    Kentucky Mountain Bible CollegeJacksonTest policyTest requiredAcceptance rate100%SAT, middle 50%948 to 1126ACT, middle 50%17 to 25

    To decide whether to send your score, compare it with each college's range in the submit or retake tool.

    Other states

    See every state, or browse all Kentucky colleges.

    Common questions about the SAT and ACT in Kentucky

    What is the average SAT score in Kentucky?
    In the class of 2026, 1,841 Kentucky graduates (4% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1147 (588 in Reading and Writing, 559 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 4% of Kentucky's class took the SAT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.
    What is the average ACT score in Kentucky?
    In the class of 2026, 100% of Kentucky graduates took the ACT and averaged 18.3, against 19.2 nationally. Nearly every Kentucky student takes the ACT, so the average covers the whole class, not just students aiming at selective colleges.
    Do Kentucky high schools give the SAT or ACT?
    Every Kentucky public school junior takes the SAT in school. Kentucky switched from the ACT to the SAT in spring 2026.
    What SAT or ACT score do you need for the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES)?

    The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) counts SAT or ACT scores in these 15 ways to qualify. The program's own page has every requirement.

    • 2.75+ GPA, 830+ SAT or 15+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 15 / SAT 830-870; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 880+ SAT or 16+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 16 / SAT 880-910; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 920+ SAT or 17+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 17 / SAT 920-950; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 960+ SAT or 18+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 18 / SAT 960-980; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 990+ SAT or 19+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 19 / SAT 990-1020; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 1030+ SAT or 20+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 20 / SAT 1030-1050; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 1060+ SAT or 21+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 21 / SAT 1060-1090; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 1100+ SAT or 22+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 22 / SAT 1100-1120; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 1130+ SAT or 23+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 23 / SAT 1130-1150; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 1160+ SAT or 24+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 24 / SAT 1160-1190; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 1200+ SAT or 25+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 25 / SAT 1200-1220; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 1230+ SAT or 26+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 26 / SAT 1230-1250; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 1260+ SAT or 27+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 27 / SAT 1260-1290; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 2.75+ GPA, 1300+ SAT or 28+ ACT, ACT/SAT bonus: ACT 28+ / SAT 1300-1600; 2.75 GPA in any HS year while meeting KEES curriculum requirements; graduate of certified KY high school, from Kentucky
    • 830+ SAT or 15+ ACT, Homeschool / non-certified school / KY GED graduates (test-only award); KY homeschool or non-certified school graduate, or KY GED earned between ages 18 and 23
    What is the National Merit cutoff in Kentucky?
    For the class of 2027, a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 211 or higher made a student in Kentucky a National Merit Semifinalist. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.
    Which colleges in Kentucky require the SAT or ACT?
    The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Kentucky Mountain Bible College require the SAT or ACT for fall 2027. Western Kentucky University requires a score only from applicants below a GPA cutoff.
    Which colleges in Kentucky have the highest SAT scores?
    Among the colleges in Kentucky we cover, the middle 50% of freshmen scored highest at Centre College (1160 to 1450), Transylvania University (1120 to 1380) and Berea College (1156 to 1335).

    Have another question? Email us at team@getsharp.app.