Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) — KHEAA

The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) is a merit award built during high school and used at a participating college. Unlike Work Ready Kentucky, it is not limited to an occupational credential: it rewards high-school achievement and certain test scores. For students who live in Kentucky and attend a certified high school, the record is built from each year’s GPA; GED and homeschool students have an ACT- or SAT-based route. It is not a need-based grant, although state eligibility and the college still matter.

KHEAA’s scale starts at a 2.75 yearly GPA; the current table shows $187 per college year at that level and up to $500 a year for a 4.0. ACT/SAT bonuses and AP, IB or Cambridge exam supplements may also be available, each with separate rules: the AP/IB/CAI supplement requires the student to have qualified for free or reduced-price lunch during high school. Amounts may change with funding. KEES is not open-ended: it expires after eight funded semesters, five years after graduation or earning a bachelor’s degree, whichever happens first.

College renewal can reduce or suspend the award if progress slips. At the end of the first year, KHEAA requires a 2.5 cumulative GPA. In later years, students need a 3.0 or, with a 2.5–2.99, certification that they remain on track to graduate; without that progress the award may be cut in half and can be regained after meeting the rule again. If you reduce course load, transfer credits or change colleges, ask the school to calculate used semesters and eligibility before enrolling.

Student accounts can help explain administrative timing. In July 2024, University of Kentucky users asked whether KEES would post before a billing deadline; one reply said it might appear as estimated aid while charges were finalized. That does not set a date for other institutions or the current cycle. Check your portal, keep the award notice, ask when the credit will be certified and confirm whether you must cover a temporary balance. Do not treat estimated aid as a payment already posted.

After high school, check your calculated amount in MyKHEAA and confirm the participating college before building a budget. KEES may coexist with other aid, but the campus determines how funds are applied and which charges remain. Request a breakdown for tuition, fees, housing, food, books and transport; then compare the balance with Work Ready Kentucky if you are in an approved occupational program. KHEAA lists kees@kheaa.com and 800-928-8926 for KEES questions.