Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate
Kentucky Department of Education with KHEAA
One-time scholarship for Kentucky public high school students who complete the state Early Graduation Program in three years or less.
- How much
- One-half of the state portion of the average per-pupil SEEK base guarantee for the graduation year (one-time)
- Who qualifies
- Kentucky public high school student completing the Early Graduation Program in 3 years or less; grade 12 students are not eligible; must meet CPE college-readiness benchmarks.
- When to apply
- Apply any time Intent form due within the first 30 days of the academic year in which the student plans to graduate (AHE 2027: before October 1); schools flag students by October 15.
- How to apply
- Tell your principal: submit the Early Graduation Intent Form (signed by a parent) no later than the first 30 days of the school year you plan to graduate, then meet all EGP requirements with your counselor's help
- Schools report recipients to KHEAA
- What you'll need
- state application + test scores
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (education.ky.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Students who finish the Early Graduation Program (EGP) under KRS 158.142 in three academic years or less receive a diploma, an Early Graduation Certificate and a KHEAA scholarship award. By statute the award equals one-half of the state portion of the average statewide per-pupil SEEK base guarantee for the graduation year. Usable only in the academic year right after graduation at a Kentucky public two-year community and technical college or a Kentucky four-year public or nonprofit independent SACS-accredited institution. Requirements include an intent form, an entrance interview with the principal, college-readiness exam benchmarks set by CPE (KYOTE cannot substitute), financial literacy and civics requirements, a professional resume, one postsecondary admission application, and a performance-based project/portfolio/capstone. 'Graduating early' under local policy is NOT the same and does not earn the scholarship.
More money from Kentucky
- Optometry Scholarship$15,000 per recipient (2026-27; varies yearly with funding)
- College Access Program (CAP) GrantUp to $2,500 at a two-year institution; up to $5,300 at a four-year institution (2026-27)
- Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG)Up to $3,300 for the 2026-27 academic year
- Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES)Varies: $187-$500 per year of college for each high school year with a 2.75+ GPA, plus ACT/SAT bonus up to $500 and AP/IB/CAI supplements of $200-$300 per qualifying score (free/reduced lunch students)
- Tuition Waiver for Kentuckians 65 and OlderAll tuition and fees waived
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.