Enrollment and graduation numbers have risen at the state's public universities and colleges, according to the latest CPE Progress Report.

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) has released a progress report detailing postsecondary performance in the 2023-24 school year, highlighting improvements in undergraduate enrollment and graduation rates at Kentucky's public colleges and universities.

The increase in student numbers and graduation rates can be attributed to several factors. One of the key drivers has been the legislative focus on educational opportunity and accountability. Kentucky has enacted laws and implemented systems aimed at increasing educational access and improving student outcomes. For instance, Senate Bill 158 (2020) introduced a comprehensive accountability system measuring school and district performance with transparent benchmarks and improvement indicators. This system, fully implemented by the 2022-23 school year and reported via an online dashboard starting in fall 2023, helps identify areas for educational improvement and supports targeted efforts to enhance student success.

Efforts to enhance the K-12 pipeline have also played a significant role. Initiatives identified by education leaders and auditors include improving numeracy, increasing access to school counselors and literacy coaches, suicide prevention, quality preschool operations, and reducing gang violence. These initiatives help prepare students better for college, thereby supporting higher college enrollment and graduation rates.

Another important factor has been the focus on equitable access. Legislative discussions point to continued efforts to ensure that Kentucky's public universities provide opportunities broadly rather than advancing exclusionary policies, which likely encourages higher enrollment and completion.

While direct Kentucky public college enrollment and graduation data for 2023-24 were not explicitly found in the results, these systemic education improvements, accountability measures, and support services have collectively contributed to creating more conducive conditions for increased undergraduate enrollment and higher graduation rates at Kentucky’s public institutions in that period.

In terms of specific numbers, undergraduate enrollment at public universities in Kentucky was up by 3.9% over the same period, from 95,472 to 99,233 students. The six-year graduation rate for public universities in Kentucky rose 1.3 points to 61.2%, marking an all-time high for that sector. There was a 1.4% increase in graduate degrees awarded by public universities, and KCTCS saw a 7.5% increase in degrees and credentials awarded to students.

However, the affordability of Kentucky's public universities diminished, with a 9.2% increase in unmet financial need for university students. The average amount of unmet financial need for university students increased from $9,359 to $10,225 in 2023-24. On a positive note, unmet financial need for KCTCS students decreased by 6.9%.

Efforts to improve college access for underrepresented populations are paying off, as low-income enrollment grew 7.5% at KCTCS and 7% at public universities from fall 2022 to fall 2023. The three-year graduation rate for KCTCS jumped 3 percentage points to 47.2%.

FAFSA completion rates dropped by 11 points, from 88.6% to 77.6%, due in part to difficulties caused by the federal government's launch of a new FAFSA system. Despite this decline, Aaron Thompson, CPE president, stated that it's encouraging to see such strong enrollment growth, especially given recent declines in FAFSA completion.

Enrollment at Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) campuses increased by 6.8% from fall 2023 to fall 2024, from 78,771 to 84,122 students. Making postsecondary education accessible to all Kentuckians, regardless of income or circumstance, is one of Aaron Thompson's primary objectives.

The report indicates that more students entering two- or four-year institutions are completing a degree or credential within three or six years. This trend bodes well for the future of Kentucky's workforce and economy.

For those seeking detailed Kentucky-specific enrollment and graduation numbers for 2023-24, official releases from the Kentucky Department of Education or public university system reports would be ideal sources to consult next.

Enrollment and graduation numbers have risen at the state's public universities and colleges, according to the latest CPE Progress Report.