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Dr. Aaron Thompson inducted into the Junior Achievement Bluegrass Business Fall of Fame
May 23, 2025
Dr. Aaron Thompson was inducted into the Junior Achievement Bluegrass Business Hall of Fame on May 22 at Keeneland Race Track. Business Hall of Fame laureates are recognized for their career achievements, community service and being a role model...
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.
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.
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.
Upcoming Meetings
- May 21, 2025
- June 9, 2025
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)
Increases in the Number of Kentucky Credential Holders
Our President
"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
Earnings: College graduates earn more and are less likely to be unemployed and rely on public
assistance.
Health: College graduates are more likely to have access to better healthcare, exercise and
enjoy better health.
Civic Responsibility: College graduates are more likely to vote, donate to charity and be civically engaged.
Literacy: College graduates are more likely to read to their children and be more supportive
of their education overall.
Employment: College graduates are more likely to find jobs and stay employed, even in a down
economy.
Economy: The state gains more from college graduates through higher earnings and less dependence
on public assistance.