Latest News
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Q&A with CPE President Aaron Thompson: Keeping up the momentum of student success
January 13, 2025
In advance of CPE’s 2025 Student Success Summit, communications staff sat down with President Aaron Thompson to discuss the learning landscape for higher education.
Kentucky ranks second in the nation in college completion gains
January 9, 2025
Kentucky has increased its six-year postsecondary completion rate by 2.8 percentage points, from 59.4% to 62.2%, according to a recent National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) Research Center report.
CPE awards over $500K for healthcare summer bridge programs
January 8, 2025
Twelve colleges and universities received grants to hold summer residential programs on campus focused on healthcare-related fields.
I’m In! video challenge offers Kentucky high school seniors opportunity to win $1,000 scholarship
December 3, 2024
CPE and GEAR UP Kentucky (GUK) have launched the I’m In! College Acceptance Video Challenge.
Featured Events
- Jan 27, 2025
- Academic & Strategic Initiatives Committee
- Nominating Committee
- Finance Committee
- Committee on Equal Oppportunities
Legislative News
Changes to administrative regulations re: Kentucky Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense Investment Fund
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 (2022)
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 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.