Postsecondary degrees and credentials up 6.4% over previous year

February 27, 2025

Kentucky’s public and private colleges and universities conferred a total of 89,313 degrees and credentials in academic year (AY) 2023-24, up 6.4 percent from the previous year, according to an annual report issued by the Council on Postsecondary Education. The largest percentage increases were in master’s and specialist degrees, up 10.6 percent, and in short-term certificates and diplomas awarded by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), up 9.9 percent over the same period. Associate and bachelor’s degrees showed less growth, rising 1.1  and 0.7 percent, respectively.

The report looks at degree and credential production for Kentucky’s two-year public, four-year public and private colleges and universities affiliated with the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). In addition to examining gains by credential level, the report includes credentials awarded to select populations, such as low-income, in-state and minority students.

“For the last five years, we’ve seen strong, sustained growth in degree and credential production in the Commonwealth, which is contributing to a more educated and skilled workforce” said Dr. Aaron Thompson, CPE president. “This is the direct result of higher education’s efforts to improve student retention, engagement and support.”

Other reported gains from AY 2022-23 to AY 2023-24 include:

• A 7.9 percent increase in credentials awarded to underrepresented minority students.
• A 4.1 percent increase in credentials awarded to low-income (i.e., Pell-eligible) students.
• A 1.8 percent increase in credentials awarded to first-time adult students (ages 25-64).

The entire report can be accessed at https://cpe.ky.gov/data/reports/2024degreesreport.pdf.