Kentucky's 60x30 Goal

Why it matters

Of all jobs in Kentucky, 63% (1,302,000 jobs) will require some postsecondary training beyond high school in 2031. However, less than half of the state's population have a certificate or degree. To meet this growing need for more highly educated citizens, the Council set the ambitious goal of 60% of the population with a postsecondary credential by 2030.

Kentucky's current levels of attainment

CPE's attainment analysis is based on the proportion of Kentucky adults (ages 25-64) who have earned a postsecondary degree (at the associate, bachelor’s or graduate level) or a short-term certificate or industry certification.

Over half (55%) of working-age Kentuckians have a postsecondary certificate or degree.  This progress is driven by increases in bachelor's and upper-level degrees, while the percentage of citizens with lower-level undergraduate credentials has declined slightly.

Kentucky's latest degree production

The latest stats on degree and credential production showed gains at every degree level and sector from 2023-24 to 2024-25:

• At public universities, total undergraduate degrees and credentials increased by 3.5%, while graduate and professional degrees grew by 2.9%.
• At KCTCS, associate degrees were up 7%, and certificates were up 3.9%.
• At independent institutions, undergraduate degrees and credentials rose 1.9%, and graduate credentials increased by 16.5%.

For more information, view our Degrees and Credentials report, or visit our Degrees dashboard.