State colleges and universities exceeding target goals in degrees, credentials

Also exceeding goals in transfers from KCTC to four-year schools

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2014) — Kentucky’s higher education institutions are performing above expectations, according to a state-level accountability report.

The report shows that Kentucky’s colleges and universities exceeded targets for total degrees and credentials conferred, graduate degrees, and degrees and credentials for STEM+H (science, technology, engineering, math and health) during the 2012-13 academic year.

State schools also exceeded goals in the number of transfers from the Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges to four-year campuses and for the percent of total credits earned online.

“We commend campus leadership, faculty and staff, and our education partners for this tremendous progress,” said Council on Postsecondary Education President Bob King. “A more highly skilled and educated workforce is Kentucky’s key to a more prosperous future.”

Gains were reported in college readiness, with Kentucky on track to reach the college readiness target established by the 2009 Senate Bill 1.

“While we are pleased with this progress, we remain concerned about some fairly significant challenges that lie ahead,” King said.

He cited decreased state financial support for higher education as a major concern, as well as the lack of state grant funds for low-income students.

“Closing achievement gaps of low-income and underrepresented minority students is mission critical for Kentucky and will continue to be a key focus moving forward,” he said.

The report found that 107,552 low-income students qualified for state need-based aid, but did not receive it since state grant programs are underfunded relative to the need of Kentuckians.

Produced by the Council on Postsecondary Education, the report tracks progress on 27 metrics included in Stronger by Degrees: A Strategic Agenda for Kentucky Postsecondary and Adult Education.

In total, the state made progress or met goals on 14 metrics, held steady on three and lost ground on nine. One metric definition changed and was not evaluated in this year’s report.