Funding ACT® & SAT® Prep: A Guide for Schools and Educators
Is your school leaving money on the table? Look at our list of federal, state, and local funding sources schools can use to fund their ACT® and SAT® prep programs
As educators, we know that strong ACT® and SAT® scores can unlock college admissions, scholarships, and long-term opportunities for students. However, providing high-quality test prep—especially in schools with limited budgets—can be challenging. The good news? A variety of federal, state, and local funding sources exist to support these efforts.
This guide outlines key funding opportunities and actionable steps for schools to expand access to ACT® and SAT® preparation.
Federal Funding Sources
Title I – Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged
Title I funds support schools with high percentages of low-income students. These funds can be allocated for:
- Purchasing test prep materials (books, online courses).
- Running after-school or summer test prep programs.
- Covering ACT®/SAT® registration fees for eligible students.
Action Step: Work with your district’s Title I coordinator to determine how to allocate these funds effectively.
Title IV, Part A – Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (SSAE)
Title IV, Part A funding promotes a well-rounded education, including college readiness. Schools can use SSAE grants for:
- ACT®/SAT® preparation workshops.
- Practice exams and tutoring programs.
- Expanding access to AP and dual-enrollment courses.
Action Step: Apply for SSAE grants through your state or district to support test prep initiatives.
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)
GEAR UP is a federally funded grant program designed to increase college readiness among low-income students, starting in middle school and continuing through high school. Schools can use GEAR UP funds for:
- Structured ACT®/SAT® prep courses.
- Academic mentoring and college advising.
- Campus visits that include guidance on standardized testing.
Action Step: If your school is part of a GEAR UP program, collaborate with program coordinators to allocate funds for test-related expenses.
TRIO Programs
TRIO programs, including Upward Bound and Talent Search, help low-income and first-generation college-bound students by providing:
- ACT/SAT tutoring and study sessions.
- Academic advising and college readiness support.
- Free or subsidized test registration fees.
Action Step: Connect students with local TRIO programs and partner with Upward Bound staff to integrate test prep into your school’s college readiness efforts.
State & Local Funding Sources
State-Funded ACT®/SAT® Testing
Many states offer free ACT® or SAT® testing for high school students, ensuring all students have at least one opportunity to take a college admissions exam at no cost.
- Some states fund universal testing for all juniors.
- Others allow districts to opt into subsidized testing programs.
Action Step: Check with your state’s department of education to see if ACT®/SAT® testing is funded and advocate for district-level participation if not covered statewide.
Local School District Funding
Some school districts allocate budget funds for college readiness programs, including:
- District-wide test prep courses.
- Free or subsidized online ACT®/SAT® prep resources.
- Teacher stipends for leading after-school test prep programs.
Action Step: Work with district leadership to ensure funding for ACT®/SAT® preparation is included in annual budgets. If necessary, present data on how test scores impact college access to build a case for additional funding.
Direct Fee Waivers & Private Funding Sources
ACT® & SAT® Fee Waiver Programs
Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch, are in foster care, or are homeless may be eligible for ACT® and SAT® fee waivers that cover:
- ACT®/SAT® test registration fees (up to two times).
- Free access to official test prep materials.
- College application fee waivers for select universities.
Action Step: School counselors should ensure all eligible students apply for fee waivers and communicate deadlines clearly to students and families.
Nonprofit & Private Grants
Numerous nonprofit organizations and private foundations provide funding for ACT®/SAT® prep, including:
- College Possible: Provides free test prep and college mentoring for low-income students.
- Let’s Get Ready: Offers peer-to-peer SAT® tutoring and college counseling.
- Jack Kent Cooke Foundation: Offers scholarships for high-achieving, low-income students.
- College Board BigFuture Scholarship: Provides funding for students completing college readiness steps and requires no essay, no minimum GPA or test score, nor citizenship requirements.
Action Step: Research and partner with organizations that align with your school’s needs to provide additional test prep resources.
National Merit Scholarship Program
Students who perform well on the PSAT®/NMSQT® may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which provides:
- Scholarship opportunities from universities and corporations.
- A competitive edge in college admissions.
- Incentives for schools to invest in PSAT® preparation programs.
What Schools & Educators Can Do
- Identify Eligible Students
- Work with counselors to create a list of students who qualify for fee waivers and scholarships.
- Set up a notification system to remind students and families about key deadlines.
- Leverage Federal & State Funds
- Apply for Title I, Title IV, and GEAR UP funding through your school district.
- Advocate for local district funding by presenting data on the impact of ACT®/SAT® scores on college admissions.
- Expand Access to Test Prep
- Partner with organizations that provide free or low-cost ACT®/SAT® prep courses.
- Host after-school or weekend test prep sessions using available funding sources.
- Use district-funded teacher stipends to provide test prep tutoring.
- Advocate for Universal Testing & Fee Coverage
- Work with state and district officials to push for free ACT® /SAT® testing for all students.
- Collect and share data on how universal test administration benefits students.
- Engage Families & Communities
- Host parent information sessions to explain financial aid options for testing.
- Partner with local businesses and alumni networks to create scholarships for test prep and exam fees.
Schools and educators play a critical role in reducing financial barriers for ACT® and SAT® testing. By leveraging federal grants, state programs, local resources, and fee waivers, schools can ensure that all students—regardless of financial background—have the support they need to succeed.
At Horizon Education, we understand the importance of preparing students for these high-stakes exams. Our comprehensive ACT® and SAT® prep solutions help schools and districts provide data-driven instruction, benchmark assessments, and targeted support to improve student outcomes. Whether you're looking for curriculum-aligned test prep, robust reporting tools, maximize you can maximize the effectiveness of your funding with Horizon Education.
Investing in test preparation isn't just about scores—it’s about expanding opportunities for students and ensuring they’re ready for their next steps. Let’s work together to make college readiness accessible for all.
