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Dr. Aaron Thompson wins James Bryant Conant Award from Education Commission of the States
July 11, 2025
Dr. Aaron Thompson, President of the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), received the James Bryant Conant Award from ECS at the 2025 National Forum on Education Policy convening last evening.
Kentucky leads the nation in retention and persistence rate gains
July 9, 2025
According to the NSC, Kentucky’s one-year gains in undergraduate persistence and retention were the highest in the nation from 2023 to 2024.
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
June 18, 2025
CPE has appointed six new members to Kentucky’s Dual Credit Advisory Council.
Upcoming Meetings
- July 24, 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 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
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.