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CPE’s new unit will promote the value of higher education, strengthen economic development partnerships
February 1, 2023
CPE announced a new unit in the agency focused on increasing public awareness of the value of higher education and strengthening partnerships with the business community and other key partners.
CPE offering grants for summer bridge programs to help students prepare for college
February 1, 2023
Kentucky's public colleges and universities, along with institutions in the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities, are eligible to apply for grants to assist with summer bridge programs.
Council on Postsecondary Education elects leadership
January 30, 2023
CPE elected Madison Silvert to serve as the 2023 chair and re-elected Eric Farris as vice chair at its meeting on Jan. 27.
Grants available to accelerate literacy of primary students
January 27, 2023
CPE is offering grants of up to $55,000 to support colleges of education in implementing the Kentucky Reading Project for Read to Achieve, which focuses on primary students (K-3) reading at low levels and needing accelerated learning.
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Kentucky By the Numbers
- 8Public Universities
- 58%Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 28K+Degrees Awarded in AY21
- 16Community and Technical Colleges
- 40%Three-Year Graduation Rate
- 39K+Credentials Awarded in AY21
Kentucky's Progress to the 60x30 Goal
Educational Attainment of Kentucky Adults (2019)
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
"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.