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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Thompson and Cosby

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education president received the Betty and David Jones, Sr. Legacy Award from Simmons College of Kentucky

March 5, 2024

CPE's President Aaron Thompson received the Betty and David Jones, Sr. Legacy Award from Simmons College of Kentucky during its Transform Louisville breakfast at Louisville Central Community Center.

Lumina logo

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education announced as winner of The Great Admissions Redesign Challenge

February 29, 2024

CPE one of just seven organizations awarded in national competition to transform how students get into college.

Six organizations recognized for collaboration during Student Success Summit

Six organizations recognized for collaboration during Student Success Summit

February 27, 2024

Three Kentucky campuses, two government agencies and one philanthropic organization were recipients of awards at the Council's 2024 Kentucky Student Success Summit.

Students

Kentucky higher education system partners with The Jed Foundation to prioritize mental health and suicide prevention for students, staff and faculty

February 26, 2024

The JED Foundation announced a new initiative aims to protect emotional health, prevent suicide and strengthen connectedness across select Kentucky college campuses and communities statewide.

Upcoming Events

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Kentucky Student Success Collaborative Events

Kentucky Advising Academy Events


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 (2022)

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.