President's Message
Kentucky’s Momentum in College Success—and the Work Ahead to Reach 60x30
Although Kentucky is making strong gains in postsecondary enrollment, persistence, retention, credential production, and student debt reduction, we still have significant work ahead to meet the state’s 60x30 attainment goal over the next four years.
Through aligned policy and practice, we are strengthening Kentucky’s talent pipeline—helping more residents earn credentials that lead to higher wages and meet employer demand. Our initiatives such as the Kentucky Advising Academy, Futuriti, and GEAR UP Kentucky help students plan for education and training after graduation and connect those goals to real opportunities.
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Affordability remains central to this progress. Six out of 10 Kentucky undergraduates now graduate debt-free—up from four out of 10 in 2019–20. The share of debt-free graduates is 74% at community and technical colleges and 46% at public universities. Borrowers are carrying less debt: community college graduates average about $300 less than five years ago, and public university bachelor’s graduates about $2,500 less than in 2020.
At the same time, challenges remain. College-going rates for recent high school graduates have not fully recovered, especially for students from low-income families. Many prospective students still struggle to see a clear connection between education and career outcomes, or they face financial, family, and logistical barriers that make enrollment difficult.
That’s why statewide leadership matters—across higher education, workforce partners, and the General Assembly. We must keep telling a clear and hopeful story: postsecondary education and high-quality workforce training lead directly to the well-paid jobs Kentucky needs to fill in healthcare, construction technology, advanced manufacturing, and the skilled trades.
 These data from the Kentucky Center for Statistics show why higher education matters. Kentuckians with postsecondary credentials, from certificates to advanced degrees, make more money over time - and those wages increase as education levels increase.
When this message is reinforced by trusted local voices—employers, educators, community organizations, and elected officials—it becomes real for students and families. Together, we can ensure education after high school is understood as a pathway to purpose, stability, and long-term prosperity for Kentucky communities.
 Future Focused: Student Centered
March 23-24, 2026 | University of Louisville, Swain Student Activities Center
Join colleagues from across Kentucky for the 15th annual Student Success Summit, CPE's signature gathering dedicated to advancing student success and transforming educational outcomes. This Summit brings together campus leaders, faculty, advisors, policy makers, and student-support professionals for two days of inspiration, innovation, and networking.
The 2026 Summit's theme, Future Focused: Student Centered, invites attendees to look ahead with intention, ensuring that every strategy, structure, and system we design keeps students at the heart of our work. As higher education continues to evolve, this Summit will highlight what’s possible when we align bold ideas with data-driven planning and a shared commitment to the success of all students.
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