You already know that a solid SAT score can boost your college applications, but did you know it can also earn you free money for school? There are a lot of scholarships out there, including many that are based on your standardized test scores. You have a variety of scholarship options to look into as you receive your SAT scores; some of them don’t even require extra work or applications! Here are a few different categories of scholarships that are based on the results of your SAT.
Your SAT scores
Let’s start with the basics. You’re probably wondering how your scores stack up against others, and if you even qualify for these SAT-based scholarships. While it changes from year to year, the College Board provides a breakdown of each year's SAT scores. According to the College Board’s most recent SAT Suite Annual Report, the average SAT score for 2023 was 1028, with the Evidence‑Based Reading and Writing (ERW) average at 520 and Math at 508. A score above this range improves your chances of qualifying for SAT‑based scholarships, but keep in mind that many awards target students scoring 1300+, and the most competitive merit programs often look for 1400–1500+.
While a higher score still opens doors, remember that many colleges have adopted test‑optional or test‑free policies. Even so, strong SAT scores can still earn you automatic merit scholarships at many institutions.
Related: What Is More Important: Your GPA or SAT Scores?
Where to start finding SAT-based scholarships
Now that you know where you fall on the spectrum of scores and what scholarships you could win, here are a few good places to start looking for test score–based scholarships.
National Merit Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarship Program remains one of the most recognized test‑score‑based awards in the country. Qualification still begins with your PSAT/NMSQT score, taken in 11th grade.
Each year, about 16,000 students qualify as Semifinalists, and roughly 15,000 advance to Finalist status. From this group, around 7,140 students receive National Merit Scholarships or corporate‑sponsored awards.
National Merit awards include:
- $2,500 National Merit Scholarships (one‑time)
- Corporate‑sponsored scholarships (often renewable)
- College‑sponsored scholarships, which can range from $500 to full tuition
Many colleges still offer significant financial incentives for National Merit Finalists, even as testing policies evolve.
Institutional scholarships
Many colleges continue to offer automatic merit scholarships based on SAT scores, even if they are test‑optional for admission. Requirements vary widely, some colleges and universities give additional scholarships for being a National Merit Scholar. For example, the University of Oklahoma grants a full-ride scholarship to all National Merit Scholars. At many other schools, you don’t have to be involved in the National Merit program to get a scholarship based on your SAT score. For example, Clemson University considers a combination of class rank, GPA, and test scores for its merit awards. For 2024 applicants, competitive SAT scores typically begin around 1350+ for a major Merit Scholarship.
Other schools have a less competitive system, meaning that even a fairly average SAT score could earn you scholarship money. Texas Tech University offers differing amounts depending on your class rank and SAT score; with a score of 1200 or higher, you could earn at least $1,000 a year in scholarship money. As someone currently benefiting from an institutional scholarship based partially on my SAT score, I can tell you the best thing about these kinds of scholarships is they’re typically automatically granted to you upon admission to the college. With no extra applications, interviews, or letters of recommendation, it really is just free money.
Related: What You Need to Know About Institutional Aid and Scholarships
Outside scholarships
Many outside scholarships specific to your community also factor in SAT scores to determine the recipient of their awards, so a higher score could easily lead to more scholarships from those sources as well. Look for outside scholarships using scholarship search websites, but also try reaching out to your school counselor, who may have even more resources or suggestions. Keep your ears open within your community too. Places of employment, churches, and community organizations where you do volunteer work can all be great places to find additional scholarship opportunities.
College Board and Khan Academy’s SAT practice (Important Update)
The College Board’s “Practice for Scholarships” program, which awarded monthly scholarships for SAT prep through Khan Academy, ended in 2020.
However, Khan Academy’s SAT practice tools remain free, personalized, and highly effective for score improvement. While you can no longer earn scholarships directly through the program, improving your score can still qualify you for institutional merit awards and private scholarships.
Related: 10 SAT Score Improvement Tips
Even though standardized tests aren’t required at many colleges, strong SAT scores can still give you a competitive edge—especially when it comes to merit‑based financial aid. Improving your score can unlock thousands of dollars in scholarships, reduce your college costs, and strengthen your overall application profile.
Get even more free SAT practice by playing our SAT Word Game and competing against other students in the CollegeXpress community!
