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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Prison education program

Kentucky joins national initiative to expand postsecondary opportunities for justice-impacted individuals

June 24, 2025

Kentucky was one of five states selected by SHEEO to participate in a one-year learning community to expand postsecondary opportunities for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.

Council on Postsecondary Education appoints new Dual Credit Advisory Council members

Council on Postsecondary Education appoints new Dual Credit Advisory Council members

June 18, 2025

CPE has appointed six new members to Kentucky’s Dual Credit Advisory Council.

Graduates

KY colleges and universities increase enrollment and graduation rates

June 16, 2025

Public colleges and universities made significant gains in undergraduate enrollment and graduation rates, according to CPE's latest progress report.

CPE board approves proposed tuition increases at EKU, Murray State and WKU

CPE board approves proposed tuition increases at EKU, Murray State and WKU

June 13, 2025

CPE approved a recommendation to raise undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for resident students at EKU, Murray State and WKU by $420 for the 2025-26 school year.

Upcoming Meetings

View all meetings >>

 


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 for higher education that will guide innovation and improvement through 2030. Learn more about the strategic agenda >>

  • Transitions
  • Affordability
  • Success
  • Talent
  • 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.