News Summary
Kentucky’s higher education landscape is thriving, with a 6.4% increase in degrees awarded across institutions. Significant gains in undergraduate certificates and graduate degrees, alongside initiatives to support low-income and minority students, highlight a commitment to advancing education. New degree programs and infrastructure improvements further enhance learning opportunities. The state’s financial health and tax revenue contributions from graduates bolster optimism for the future, as notable institutions achieve recognition in college rankings. Overall, education in Kentucky is on a promising trajectory for growth and success.
Exciting Growth in Kentucky Higher Education for 2023-24!
FRANKFORT – Kentucky’s educational landscape is looking brighter than ever as the latest reports reveal an impressive 6.4% increase in degrees awarded across public and private institutions, compared to last year. This surge brings with it a buzz of optimism as more students than ever are achieving their academic goals.
Certificate and Graduate Degree Gains Lead the Charge
One of the standout highlights from this year’s educational achievement report is the substantial growth in undergraduate certificates, which have skyrocketed by an impressive 9.9%. Additionally, graduate degrees have seen a remarkable increase of 9.4%. These numbers clearly indicate a strong commitment to advancing education in Kentucky. But that’s not all! The report also shines a light on efforts to address achievement gaps among underrepresented student populations.
Bridging the Gaps for Low-Income and Minority Students
There’s even more to celebrate as the number of undergraduate degrees and credentials awarded to low-income students increased by 4.1%, while minority students saw a growth of 7.9% in their awards. This progress is a testament to the initiatives in place that are providing essential support to those who need it most. Alongside these achievements, undergraduate degree production for the year had a modest bump of 0.7%, showing steady growth across the board.
New Degree Programs Making Waves
The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is making moves to diversify and enhance education in Kentucky. The CPE Board has given the green light for a new master’s degree in applied behavior analysis at Murray State University, plus two exciting new doctoral programs focused on biomedical informatics and translational bioengineering at Kentucky universities. Sounds like more great options are on the way for students!
Infrastructure Improvements in the Works
Not to be overlooked, Kentucky State University is undergoing significant changes with an approved interim capital project aimed at renovating the Betty White Health Center. This initiative not only reflects a dedication to improving facilities but also aims to create an enhanced learning environment for students.
Solid Financial Foundations and Future Leadership
Ensuring a strong financial footing, CPE’s annual financial audit for the year ending June 30, 2024, reported no findings, which highlights the financial health of the institutions involved. Additionally, the leadership team has been solidified with the re-election of Madison Silvert as CPE chair and Elaine Walker as vice chair. Exciting news for the future, as CPE President Aaron Thompson has had his contract extended to the year 2030.
Tax Revenue and Community Contributions on the Rise
A recent report from the University of Kentucky’s Center for Business and Economic Research revealed that tax revenue from Kentucky college graduates is a whopping 4.5 times greater than the state’s initial investment in higher education. Not only that, but the consumer spending generated by these graduates in local communities skyrockets to 17 times greater than the investment. Talk about an educational boost for local economies!
Recognition for Kentucky Institutions
In the world of rankings, several Kentucky colleges are shining bright in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges listings. The University of Kentucky and University of Louisville are leading the pack, improving significant ranks compared to the previous year. Murray State also holds its own, ranking 20th among regional universities in the South, while Kentucky State University continues to proudly stand at 32nd among historically Black colleges and universities.
Looking Ahead with Innovations and Opportunities
As Kentucky continues to forge ahead, exciting new initiatives like the Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship are making headlines, aiming to provide free tuition for KCTCS students transferring to KSU. This scholarship is all about enhancing access to education and helping more students achieve their dreams.
Overall, with an optimistic outlook and numerous advancements, Kentucky higher education is on a fantastic trajectory for growth and success as we step into the 2023-24 academic year. Here’s to more achievements and bright futures for students across the Bluegrass State!
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Additional Resources
- WPSD Local 6: Kentucky Students and Educators Work to Defend DEI Programs
- Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- The Lane Report: Education Business Degrees Bring a Payoff
- Google Search: Education Business Degrees
- Kentucky.com: Education News
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Higher Education
- WDRB: Simmons College of Kentucky Bringing Back Elementary Education Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elementary Education
- WBKR: Unlocking Success – Exploring Kentucky’s Top Community Colleges
- Google News: Kentucky Community Colleges
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
