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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Advisor with student

Kentucky Advising Academy launches online toolkit for college advising

March 27, 2023

KAA launched a first-of-its-kind online resource for postsecondary advisors. The College and Career Advising Toolkit is a comprehensive collection of tools, information and resources, which will serve as a hub for advisors across the commonwealth.

Welding student with instructor

New report shows popularity of trade programs, computer science, healthcare on the rise among college students in Kentucky

March 14, 2023

CPE has released the Degrees by Program report, which shows that undergraduate credentials in the trades, computer science, and healthcare are growing in the state.

Students

CPE awards $1.2 million in campus grants for summer bridge programs

March 13, 2023

CPE announced the third round of funding for summer bridge programs at Kentucky colleges and universities. Twenty-three campuses will receive grants of up to $50,000 focused on improving college preparation and retention of students.

Students

CPE launches statewide transfer strategy to boost student success

March 13, 2023

CPE’s Statewide Vision for Transfer Student Success outlines strategies to make the transfer experience between Kentucky higher education institutions more transparent and efficient.

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Kentucky By the Numbers

  • 8Public Universities
  • 58%Six-Year Graduation Rate
  • 29K+Degrees Awarded in AY22

  • 16Community and Technical Colleges
  • 40%Three-Year Graduation Rate
  • 38K+Credentials Awarded in AY22

Kentucky's Progress to the 60x30 Goal

Educational Attainment of Kentucky Adults (2021)

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

Increases in the Number of Credential Holders

To reach Kentucky's goal of 60% with a credential by 2030, the number of Kentucky adults with a credential needs to increase 1.7% each year until 2030. Until the pandemic, the Commonwealth has surpassed this need since establishment of the goal in 2016.

2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
4.7% 2.8% 3.5% 3.3% .5%

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.