Community College Month is celebrated in April each year to recognize the important role that community colleges play in providing accessible and affordable education. It's an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of community colleges to the economic growth and development of local communities and the nation as a whole.

Community College Month is a great time to celebrate the unique offerings and the exceptional facilities across 16 community college institutions that make up the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). As community college enrollment continues to grow, KCTCS has proven an invaluable investment in the workforce and the future of Kentucky.

KCTCS supports the state's economy by providing affordable higher education and training opportunities to its residents, leading to excellent opportunities for individuals in Kentucky and beyond.

As the largest provider of postsecondary education in Kentucky, KCTCS has been empowering students across the state to achieve their academic goals since its formation. Boasting an annual enrollment of nearly 100,000 students for the 2021-2022 academic year, KCTCS has become an integral part of the state's education landscape.

One of the reasons for KCTCS' success has been its continuous growth over the years. Since 2000, the college's enrollment has increased by an impressive 30%, highlighting the growing demand for quality education in the region. This growth is a testament to the quality of education provided by the college, as well as the commitment of its faculty and staff to promote student success.

KCTCS offers a broad range of programs designed to cater to the diverse needs and interests of its student body. From technical programs to transfer programs, KCTCS ensures that students have access to a comprehensive and well-rounded education that prepares them for the workforce or further education. KCTCS offers associate degree, diploma and certificate opportunities, as well as a variety of financial aid options. With its focus on student-centered learning and access to cutting-edge technology, KCTCS is well-positioned to serve the needs of its students.

Did you know?

Enrollment

• Since 1999, our enrollment has increased 87% (86.8%)
• Since our creation, KCTCS has bettered the lives of over 1 million Kentuckians.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

KCTCS has one of the state's highest underrepresented minority enrollment rates of 17,404 students (18.5% of total enrollment) 

Dual Credit 

KCTCS educates 60% of Kentucky high school students who enrolled in dual credit courses. Last year, more than 25,000 high school students took KCTCS dual-credit classes, a 23% increase from the prior year. 

Online Learning

KCTCS is the state's largest provider of online learning with 65% of students taking at least one online class and 37% taking only online classes.

Tuition Costs

KCTCS has the lowest tuition of any higher education institution in Kentucky. Students pay less than half what they'd pay at most four-year universities.

The majority of KCTCS students graduate debt-free. Talk about student loan relief!

• 78.5% receive financial aid (includes grants, scholarships and loans).
• 66% paid $0.

Workforce Education

Looking for a career change? KCTCS has you covered! In fact:

• KCTCS is the number one provider of workforce development training in the state. And the first stop for all workforce needs.
• KCTCS colleges provide employers with customized training to meet their workforce needs. Last year, we worked with 1,176 companies to train new and incumbent employees. 
• KCTCS supports companies who are investing in their state economies by offsetting the cost of training for up to 75% through our state-funded TRAINS grant. Last year 240 companies utilized these funds to train 19,111 workers with a TRAINS investment of $7,127,528. 

Awarding Credentials

KCTCS is #1 in the nation for credentials awarded per capita by two-year, public colleges. 

• Since 2000, we have increased the number of credentials awarded by 463%.
• KCTCS increased the number of total credentials awarded to underrepresented minority students in each of the last five years, with a total five-year increase of 28%.

In 2000-21, 14,568 KCTCS students took advantage of our transfer opportunities and transferred to four-year colleges and universities. 

KCTCS is the primary provider of short-term training programs for people who want to earn a certificate and go directly to work. Some can be completed in four months or less and can lead to jobs in high demand fields that meet our students' career goals. 

KCTCS ranks second in the nation in increasing six-year completion rates, with a 3-percentage point increase over the prior year.

The news has been received with much enthusiasm by students, faculty, and staff of KCTCS, as it reflects the college's commitment to providing quality education and support for its student body. KCTCS has a history of empowering its students through accessible, affordable, and innovative learning opportunities that enhance their skills and marketability. We love a good success story!

KCTCS's accolades aren't the most important part. The real celebration are the student stories. The success of our student population is what makes these institutions so special. From the incredible stories of those who have found unique paths to success to the inspiring instructors who make a difference in the lives of their students, there's so much to celebrate!

In conclusion, the achievement of KCTCS serves as a testament to the commitment and dedication of the college community to provide a brighter future for its students. Through its focus on meeting the evolving needs of its students, enhancing online resources, supporting underserved populations, and collaborating with key partners, KCTCS has managed to achieve exceptional results in increasing student completion rates. As such, the college stands as an example of what is possible when education providers take a truly student-centric approach to learning.

If you're interested in pursuing higher education but are unsure about your options, Community College Month is a great time to learn more about what KCTCS colleges have to offer. With affordable tuition rates, flexible scheduling, and a wide range of degree and certificate programs, KCTCS provides a pathway to higher education for many individuals who might not have otherwise had access to it.

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