STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Kentucky’s colleges and universities are continuing to build on post-pandemic gains, with new data showing the state’s undergraduate enrollment is growing faster than the national average.
According to a new enrollment report from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, total undergraduate enrollment increased 5% statewide from fall 2024 to fall 2025. That compares to just over 1% growth nationally over the same period.
The council reports that growth is spread across the state’s higher education sectors. The Kentucky Community and Technical College System and private colleges affiliated with the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities each posted 6% gains in undergraduate enrollment. Public four-year universities reported a 3% increase.
Pipeline indicators also improved. Dual credit enrollment, which the council describes as a key sign that students are preparing for and succeeding in college, increased 6% statewide and 9% at KCTCS. First-time undergraduate enrollment, another measure of a strong student pipeline, rose 4% overall, with especially strong gains at AIKCU institutions at 9% and a 4% increase at KCTCS.
The report also highlights significant progress among adult learners, who officials say are critical to Kentucky’s long-term workforce and education goals. Total adult undergraduate enrollment, for students ages 25 to 64, increased 7% statewide, including 7% growth at public four-year universities and 4% at KCTCS. AIKCU institutions reported especially strong adult enrollment growth at 22%.
First-time adult undergraduate enrollment increased 13% statewide, which CPE says shows continued success in bringing back adults who started college but did not finish a credential.
Student success metrics also moved in a positive direction. At KCTCS, overall retention increased to 62%, including gains among low-income students. At public four-year universities, retention rose to 81%, also with improvements among low-income students. Three-year graduation rates at KCTCS increased to 51%, while six-year graduation rates at public four-year universities held steady at 61%.
“Kentucky’s colleges and universities are sustaining meaningful enrollment growth across sectors and student populations,” CPE President Dr. Aaron Thompson said in the report, adding that continued gains among adult learners and first-time students are essential to meeting the state’s goal of having 60% of working-age Kentuckians hold a college credential by 2030.
Key Facts
• Kentucky undergraduate enrollment rose 5% from fall 2024 to fall 2025, compared to just over 1% nationally.
• Growth was led by KCTCS and AIKCU-affiliated private colleges, each up 6%, and public four-year universities, up 3%.
• Dual credit enrollment increased 6% statewide and 9% at KCTCS.
• First-time undergraduate enrollment grew 4% overall, with 9% growth at AIKCU schools and 4% at KCTCS.
• Adult undergraduate enrollment, ages 25 to 64, increased 7% statewide.
• First-time adult undergraduate enrollment rose 13% statewide.
• Retention at KCTCS increased to 62%, and at public four-year universities to 81%.
• Three-year graduation rates at KCTCS increased to 51%; six-year rates at public four-year universities held at 61%.
• CPE says these gains support the goal of 60% of working-age Kentuckians holding a college credential by 2030.
• The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education releases enrollment updates each February.
