Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

Big Goal: 60x30

Higher education drives innovation, strengthens the economy, creates wealth, reduces inequality, breaks cycles of poverty and enhances well-being. That's why we've set an attainment goal of 60% of the population with degrees and credentials by 2030 -- and we're making progress! Learn more >>

Latest News

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GEAR UP logo

New statewide “I’m IN” PSA features Kentucky students and inspires futures

May 15, 2025

In celebration of 25 years of student success through the GEAR UP program, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) has launched the new “I’m IN!” public service announcement (PSA), featuring Kentucky high school seniors.

KAA logo

Kentucky Advising Academy awards grants up to $10,000 to six schools to support postsecondary advising

May 14, 2025

Six Kentucky K-12 public high schools and area technology centers were named the recipients of grants to support postsecondary readiness advising.

GUK logo

Kentucky celebrates 25 years of GEAR UP and #GEARUPworks Day

May 1, 2025

On May 1, the Commonwealth of Kentucky proudly recognized #GEARUPworks Day, as officially proclaimed by Governor Andy Beshear, in celebration of 25 years of GEAR UP’s impact.

Student with counselor

New issue brief recommends strategies to re-enroll adults with some college but no credential

April 30, 2025

A new issue brief by Ithaka S+R explores why an estimated 557,000 Kentuckians with some college credit but no degree have not re-enrolled in postsecondary education.

Upcoming Meetings

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Kentucky By the Numbers

  • 8Public Universities
  • 58%Six-Year Graduation Rate
  • 30K+Degrees Awarded in AY23

  • 16Community and Technical Colleges
  • 40%Three-Year Graduation Rate
  • 40KCredentials Awarded in AY23

Kentucky's Progress to the 60x30 Goal

Educational Attainment of Kentucky Adults (2023)

Graph of Kentucky's educational attainment, by level
Source: CPE Data, Research and Analytics Unit.

Increases in the Number of Kentucky Credential Holders

Change in attainment

Our President

Aaron Thompson
Dr. Aaron Thompson
"I believe that higher education unlocks the human potential, that college gives us the time and opportunity to explore our interests, to train for a career that challenges and inspires us. And it gives us a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life."

As a first-generation college student from rural Clay County, Kentucky, President Aaron Thompson experienced first-hand the transformative power of a college credential. Learn more about President Thompson >>


Kentucky's Strategic Agenda for Postsecondary Education

The strategic agenda serves as a blueprint to meet Kentucky’s educational attainment goal—to raise the percentage of Kentuckians with a postsecondary degree or certificate to 60% by the year 2030. It identifies five strategic priorities with an additional one as a cross-cutting priority (equity) for higher education that will guide innovation and improvement through 2030. Learn more about the strategic agenda >>

  • Transitions
  • Affordability
  • Success
  • Talent
  • Equity
  • Value

Making Higher Education Matter to Kentucky

Higher Education Matters, a statewide public awareness campaign in collaboration with Kentucky’s colleges and universities, is about promoting college going and elevating the importance of higher education to Kentucky’s residents and economy. Check out the website at KYHigherEDMatters.org for student resources, links to campuses, and marketing resources for our ambassadors.

Why Higher Ed Matters

  • Hand with wallet Earnings: College graduates earn more and are less likely to be unemployed and rely on public assistance.
  • Woman with tying cross trainers Health: College graduates are more likely to have access to better healthcare, exercise and enjoy better health.
  • Person showing I voted button Civic Responsibility: College graduates are more likely to vote, donate to charity and be civically engaged.
  • Person reading to child Literacy: College graduates are more likely to read to their children and be more supportive of their education overall.
  • Female employee Employment: College graduates are more likely to find jobs and stay employed, even in a down economy.
  • Capitol dome Economy: The state gains more from college graduates through higher earnings and less dependence on public assistance.