Homeschool reimbursement and benefits in Kentucky

6 statewide programs in Kentucky offer education services or help with specific costs. Eligibility and deadlines differ; check the program for your child's age and enrollment route.

By Andrew Garber, founder of TheHomeschoolingCompany. Reviewed August 25, 2026.

Kentucky Dual Credit Scholarship for homeschool students

Kentucky’s Dual Credit Scholarship covers tuition for one approved general-education college class in 2026-27, up to $99 per credit hour, for eligible homeschool juniors and seniors. The fall deadline passed October 1, 2026; spring applications are due March 1, 2027.

Eligibility and program rules

1. Lives and homeschools in Kentucky

   Your student must be a Kentucky resident in grade 11 or 12 at a Kentucky homeschool.

2. Chooses an approved course

   Enroll or receive enrollment approval for a qualifying general-education dual-credit class at a participating college.

3. Completes counseling

   Your student completes the annual 30-minute college-success counseling session.

4. Are two general-education classes covered this year?

   No. Current KHEAA guidance limits 2026-27 to one class; the linked older application still describes two for 2025-26.

5. Are extra college course fees allowed?

   No. Participating colleges agree not to charge additional dual-credit fees, including lab, equipment, admission, and application fees.

6. Can we use the old application as-is?

   No. Ask KHEAA for the current form first; the linked PDF is still labeled 2025-26 and has old dates.

What it is worth

Examples multiply the official $99 credit-hour ceiling by course hours.

1 credit hour

$99

3 credit hours

$297

4 credit hours

$396

Only one approved general-education class is funded; books and materials are separate.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before spring registration

   Choose the course

   Confirm that the course is approved and the college participates.

2. By March 1, 2027

   Submit the homeschool application

   Use the separate homeschool route; ask KHEAA for the current form because its linked PDF still says 2025-26.

3. During the award year

   Complete counseling

   Finish the required 30-minute session.

4. After college enrollment reporting

   Tuition is paid

   KHEAA sends funds to the participating college; buy books and materials separately.

What it pays for

Covered

• Tuition for one approved general-education dual-credit course

Not covered

• Textbooks and materials
• Developmental or remedial courses
• Repeated or audited courses
• Parent cash

Who to contact

Confirm eligibility, your application, or available funding.

studentaid@kheaa.com KHEAA scholarships and grants

Kentucky KEES ACT/SAT award for homeschool graduates

A qualifying Kentucky homeschool graduate can earn $36 to $500 a year toward college through KEES, based on the highest qualifying ACT or SAT score. Ask your college’s financial-aid office to report your homeschool records manually; this route is not a K-12 spending account.

Eligibility and program rules

1. Meets Kentucky graduation rules

   KHEAA describes the homeschool and GED pathway for Kentucky completion between ages 18 and 23. Confirm your graduation date and residency with KHEAA.

2. Provides a qualifying test score

   Your award is based solely on the highest qualifying ACT or SAT score, rather than a homeschool GPA award.

3. Attends a participating college

   Enroll at least half time, normally six credits, and meet the program’s renewal requirements.

4. Can part-time college attendance qualify?

   Yes. At least six credits are required, and less than full-time enrollment reduces the award.

5. Does it renew automatically regardless of grades?

   No. College GPA and later on-track-to-graduate rules control renewal.

What it is worth

KHEAA publishes equivalent SAT bands as well.

15

$36

19

$179

21

$250

24

$357

27

$464

28 or higher

$500

Part-time enrollment and renewal status can reduce the paid amount.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before 2026-27 college payment

   Provide records

   Ask your college for its homeschool diploma, graduation-date, and ACT/SAT score-report requirements.

2. After admission and enrollment

   Request manual reporting

   The college financial-aid office reports eligible homeschool graduates to KHEAA.

3. Each fall or spring term

   Receive college aid

   Your funded amount depends on the award and enrollment load.

4. At spring-term end

   Check renewal

   First-year renewal requires a 2.50 cumulative GPA; later full renewal generally needs 3.00 or qualifying on-track status.

5. Within five years of graduation

   Use remaining eligibility

   Funding also ends after eight funded semesters or a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.

What it pays for

Covered

• Eligible postsecondary study

Not covered

• Homeschool GPA-based KEES award
• K-12 curriculum reimbursement
• Enrollment below the minimum

Who to contact

Ask about homeschool records, test scores, or the reimbursement route.

kees@kheaa.com KEES guidance

Kentucky KEES workforce expense reimbursement for homeschool graduates

A graduate with unexpired KEES earnings can request reimbursement for approved workforce expenses, limited each year to the KEES amount earned. The 2026-27 request must be postmarked by June 1, 2027; homeschool graduates should confirm their individual pathway with KHEAA before paying.

Eligibility and program rules

1. Has unexpired KEES earnings

   KHEAA explicitly allows homeschool graduates to earn KEES; the workforce section uses high-school-graduate wording, so confirm your individual eligibility.

2. Enters an eligible workforce route

   Routes include approved registered apprenticeships, qualifying proprietary-school workforce programs, Kentucky College of Art + Design, and approved KCTCS Workforce Solutions programs.

3. Opts in and keeps receipts

   Submit the pathway selection form, pay approved expenses, and retain clear itemized receipts.

4. Must we pay first?

   Yes. Opt in, pay approved costs, then submit itemized receipts for reimbursement.

5. Can work clothes count?

   Yes. Approved apparel is capped at $400 per award year and must be submitted together in one request.

6. What receipts are accepted?

   Legible itemized receipts showing the store, date, item description, cost, and total paid. Handwritten receipts are rejected.

7. Can we wait until June 30, 2027?

   No. KHEAA states a June 1, 2027 postmark deadline despite describing an expense period through June; confirm later purchases before spending.

What it is worth

All category limits remain inside the graduate’s total annual KEES earnings.

Travel category

Up to $500

Work-related apparel category

Up to $400

Total for a homeschool graduate with ACT 21

$250

Total for a homeschool graduate with ACT 28 or higher

$500

The category caps do not add to your KEES award; individual pathway eligibility needs KHEAA confirmation.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before 2026-27 purchases

   Confirm and opt in

   Ask KHEAA to confirm the route and submit the reimbursement pathway selection form.

2. July 2026 to June 2027

   Pay approved costs

   Keep itemized receipts; the annual reimbursement cannot exceed your KEES earnings.

3. Postmarked by June 1, 2027

   Request reimbursement

   Submit the request form and legible receipts by the published deadline, which comes before the stated expense period ends.

4. For later eligible years

   Check remaining eligibility

   Reimbursement may be requested for up to four years within the first five after graduation.

What it pays for

Covered

• Required tools and equipment
• Licenses and course materials
• Tuition and books
• Required uniforms
• Eligible travel within the cap

Not covered

• Unexpired earnings already exhausted
• Nonitemized or handwritten receipts
• K-12 curriculum expenses

Who to contact

kees@kheaa.com KEES guidance

Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship for homeschool graduates

Work Ready Kentucky can cover remaining eligible tuition and fees after federal and state aid for an approved workforce program, with fees capped at $400 a year. The 2026-27 application is listed in MyKHEAA; apply early because awards are first come, first served while funds last.

Eligibility and program rules

1. Meets residency and completion rules

   Be a Kentucky resident and U.S. citizen or permanent resident with qualifying high-school or GED completion; the college verifies homeschool graduation.

2. Has no associate or higher degree

   You cannot already hold an associate or higher degree.

3. Chooses approved training

   Enroll in an approved certificate, diploma, AAS, or comprehensive transition and postsecondary program.

4. Files both applications

   Complete FAFSA and the 2026-27 WRKS application in MyKHEAA.

5. Can we apply for Work Ready Kentucky for 2026-27?

   Yes. KHEAA lists the current WRKS application; funding remains subject to availability.

6. Is it a fixed cash award?

   No. It covers remaining eligible charges after federal and state grants and scholarships.

7. Can it fund any college major?

   No. The program of study must appear on the approved workforce list.

8. Can a student with an associate degree qualify?

   No. An existing associate or higher degree is excluded.

9. Do we only file FAFSA?

   No. You must also submit the WRKS application in MyKHEAA.

What it is worth

KHEAA subtracts federal and state grants and scholarships from eligible tuition and fees.

Eligible fees

Up to $400 per year

Eligible tuition after other aid

Remaining amount within KCTCS rate

All eligible charges covered by other aid

$0

The total award cannot exceed the in-state KCTCS tuition-and-fee rate.

From applying to keeping it

1. Now for 2026-27

   Confirm your program

   Check KHEAA’s approved-program list and the college’s homeschool admission documents.

2. Before an award

   File FAFSA and WRKS

   Awards are ordered by WRKS application date, subject to available funding.

3. After the semester begins

   College reports costs and aid

   The actual award follows reported tuition, fees, and federal and state aid.

4. Each term

   Maintain academic progress

   Eligibility ends at 60 funded credits or the first associate degree, whichever comes first.

What it pays for

Covered

• Remaining eligible workforce-program tuition
• Eligible fees up to the annual cap

Not covered

• Bachelor’s-degree study
• Students who already hold an associate degree
• Costs above program limits

Who pays first

1. Federal and state grants and scholarships
2. WRKS for remaining eligible tuition and fees

Who to contact

studentaid@kheaa.com KHEAA scholarships and grants

Kentucky College Access Program Grant for homeschool graduates

CAP can help your college-bound homeschool graduate with financial need, up to $2,500 at a two-year institution or $5,300 at a four-year institution in 2026-27. File the correct FAFSA as soon as possible; grants are first come, first served and depend on funds and college eligibility.

Eligibility and program rules

1. Lives in Kentucky and has financial need

   The grant is for financially needy Kentucky undergraduate students.

2. Attends an eligible college

   Enroll at least half time in an eligible program lasting at least two years; confirm your homeschool admission records with the college.

3. Has no overdue aid obligations

   You cannot have past-due financial obligations to KHEAA or a Title IV program.

4. Can a homeschool graduate be considered for a CAP grant?

   Yes, after college admission and required documentation. CAP is based on college eligibility and financial need, not a K-12 homeschool account.

5. Is there a separate CAP application?

   No. KHEAA directs students to the FAFSA for the aid year.

6. Can we still seek 2026-27 aid?

   Yes, you can submit the applicable FAFSA and ask the college about remaining funds; an award is not guaranteed.

7. Can my child attend part time?

   Yes. At least half-time enrollment is required.

8. Does every applicant receive $5,300?

   No. That is the four-year maximum; need, enrollment, institution type, and funds affect the award.

9. What if the grant is missing?

   Ask the college’s financial-aid office to review FAFSA completion, financial need, enrollment, and remaining funds.

What it is worth

KHEAA publishes different annual caps by institution type.

Two-year institution

Up to $2,500

Four-year institution

Up to $5,300

These are maximums; they do not guarantee your student’s award.

From applying to keeping it

1. For 2026-27 attendance

   File the correct FAFSA

   CAP consideration uses the FAFSA for the school year needing aid.

2. Before enrollment

   Confirm documentation

   Ask the financial-aid office what homeschool completion records and verification it needs.

3. After aid review

   College determines the award

   Funding depends on need, enrollment, eligibility, and available funds.

4. Each later aid year

   File FAFSA again

   KHEAA encourages filing when the next form becomes available; awards follow FAFSA completion order.

What it pays for

Covered

• Eligible undergraduate college costs

Not covered

• K-12 curriculum reimbursement
• Less-than-half-time enrollment
• Programs shorter than two years

Who to contact

studentaid@kheaa.com KHEAA scholarships and grants

Kentucky Tuition Grant for homeschool graduates

Kentucky Tuition Grant can provide up to $3,300 in 2026-27 for your homeschool graduate’s full-time study at an eligible Kentucky private college. File the aid-year FAFSA early; awards are first come, first served, and other aid can reduce or eliminate the financial need required.

Eligibility and program rules

1. Lives in Kentucky and has financial need

   Your college makes the final need determination; other grants and scholarships can reduce it.

2. Attends an eligible private college

   Enroll full time in an associate or bachelor’s degree program at a participating Kentucky private college.

3. Completes admission and aid records

   Confirm homeschool transcript acceptance and FAFSA documentation with the college; past-due KHEAA or Title IV obligations are disqualifying.

4. Can a homeschool graduate be considered for the Kentucky Tuition Grant?

   Yes, when admitted with acceptable homeschool records and meeting the grant’s college, need, and enrollment rules.

5. Can the Kentucky Tuition Grant fund a public college?

   No. KTG is for eligible Kentucky private colleges and universities.

6. Can my child attend part time?

   No. Full-time enrollment is required.

7. Does every eligible student get $3,300?

   No. It is the annual maximum, and the college’s need determination and available funds control the award.

8. Do we submit a separate KTG application?

   No. KHEAA directs applicants to the aid-year FAFSA.

9. Can another scholarship reduce this grant?

   Yes. Other scholarships and grants may reduce or eliminate your demonstrated financial need.

What it is worth

The college determines need after other scholarships and grants.

Eligible full-time student with financial need

Up to $3,300

No remaining demonstrated need

$0

Maximum eligibility is four full-time-equivalent terms for a two-year program or eight for a four-year program.

From applying to keeping it

1. For 2026-27 attendance

   File FAFSA

   Use the form for the school year needing aid.

2. Before an award

   Confirm college participation

   Ask the college to verify admission documents, full-time enrollment, and grant eligibility.

3. After financial-aid review

   Receive the college award

   The college determines remaining need after other aid.

4. Each next year

   File the next FAFSA early

   Grant funds follow FAFSA completion order, within eligibility and funding limits.

What it pays for

Covered

• Eligible private-college undergraduate costs

Not covered

• K-12 homeschool expenses
• Part-time study
• Public-college attendance for this grant

Who to contact

studentaid@kheaa.com KHEAA scholarships and grants

Local help in Kentucky

The local programs we have checked across the state cover college and dual credit, grants and scholarships, library resources, transportation, recreation, museums and arts, other services, and sports and activities. Each local program sets its own rules for who qualifies. Search your ZIP code to see the ones that serve your address.

Search your ZIP code

The state's homeschool rules

You must notify the local district superintendent annually. Current KDE guidance says within the first two weeks of the school year, or within two weeks of public-school withdrawal, for a child of compulsory attendance age.

• Subjects: Parents choose the curriculum for a noncertified homeschool. Certified private schools must teach in English, offer public-school subjects, and provide at least 1,062 hours over 170 days annually; KDE recommends those hours and days for other homeschools.
• Testing: Kentucky does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
• Records: Keep attendance records and scholarship reports showing completed courses and grades, available for inspection by pupil-personnel and KDE officials. Work-sample portfolios are recommended, not mandatory.
• Teachers: No state teacher certification requirement for parents teaching their own children in a noncertified homeschool.

Read the Kentucky homeschooling guide