'It's a big deal' | Kentucky schools and students prepare for state-funded switch to SAT exam

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Starting in the spring of 2026, the SAT will replace the ACT as the state-funded college admissions exam in Kentucky.

The contract with the ACT expired on June 30, 2025. The switch to the SAT was finalized and officially announced this week by the state's Department of Education.

In a statement, KDE says the four-year contract with the College Board will save the state up to $350,000 per year.

Under the new contract, Kentucky high school juniors will take the SAT during the school day. Students who prefer the ACT can still take it, but only the SAT will be state-funded.

Jed Hilbert has been tutoring students to take standardized tests for at least the past 15 years. Even though Indiana requires students to take the SAT, the majority of his students opt for the ACT.

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