The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced Tuesday the awarding of a contract to the College Board to administer the SAT Junior State Administration as the state-funded college admissions exam beginning in spring 2026.
This initial four-year contract, with a cost of $30 per student locked in over the four years, has the potential to save the state up to $350,000 annually.
KDE received a protest on July 14 regarding the contract awarded to the College Board. Upon receiving the protest, KDE continued to work closely with the Finance and Administration Cabinet to ensure compliance with all procurement laws and determine the next steps.
On Sept. 23, after a thorough review, the Finance and Administration Cabinet determined that the protest lacked merit and did not demonstrate any prejudice, so the protest filed against the College Board contract was denied.
Kentucky high school juniors will take the SAT during the school day as part of the state’s required college admissions exam testing. KDE had previously worked with ACT as its college admissions exam provider; that contract ended on June 30, 2025.
The SAT is widely accepted by four-year colleges and universities across the United States. In Kentucky, most public institutions – including the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Eastern Kentucky University and Western Kentucky University – consider SAT scores for admission, even when submission is optional.
“The move to the SAT gives Kentucky students access to powerful tools that support their success, like free, personalized practice through Khan Academy and a new digital format that’s shorter, adaptive and designed to be more student-friendly with fast score reporting,” Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher said.
The KDE said students and families have access to a wide range of supports to help them navigate the SAT experience with confidence. Resources such as Understanding Scores explain what SAT results mean and how they connect to college readiness, while More Than a Score highlights the many ways SAT results can open opportunities beyond admissions.
Parents are supported with a dedicated Parent’s Guide to Getting Your Teen Ready for the SAT, which offers clear steps to encourage preparation, reduce test anxiety, and connect students to free, personalized practice tools. Together, these resources ensure that both students and parents are equipped with the knowledge and strategies needed to make the most of the SAT journey.
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
