Louisville, December 8, 2025
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has announced a historic fall enrollment of 70,325 students, reflecting a 6.4% increase compared to last year. This growth highlights the institution’s role as an accessible educational pathway for Kentuckians. With further enrollment potential, KCTCS expects to exceed 85,000 students by semester’s end. Key colleges such as Jefferson Community and Technical College saw significant enrollment gains, and diverse demographics, including high school students and nontraditional adult learners, contributed to this trend. The ongoing commitment to education under the leadership of President Ryan Quarles promises continued success and workforce development.
Louisville, Kentucky
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has achieved a record-breaking fall enrollment, welcoming 70,325 students across its 16 colleges, marking a 6.4% increase from the previous year.
Enrollment Growth and Projections
This surge in enrollment reflects a growing confidence among Kentuckians in KCTCS as an affordable and accessible pathway to higher education and career advancement. With multiple start dates still ahead, officials project total enrollment will surpass 85,000 before the semester ends.
College-Specific Increases
Fourteen KCTCS colleges reported enrollment gains, with nine exceeding 5% increases. Notably, Jefferson Community and Technical College led with a 12.3% rise, followed by Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College at 9.2%, Somerset Community College at 9.1%, and Hopkinsville Community College at 7.9%.
Demographic Insights
The enrollment growth spans various demographics. High school students taking dual credit classes increased by 11.6%, accounting for 23.5% of this fall’s enrollment total. Nontraditional students aged 25 and over grew by 10.4%, making up 32% of total enrollment.
Program-Specific Growth
Enrollment in programs aligned with Kentucky’s targeted industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing, business and IT services, construction, healthcare, and transportation and logistics, has also seen an uptick.
Historical Context
These enrollment figures build upon previous milestones. In the 2023–24 academic year, KCTCS awarded 44,402 credentials, including degrees, diplomas, and certificates, marking the highest number since the system’s inception in 1997–98.
Leadership and Future Outlook
Under the leadership of President Ryan Quarles, who assumed the role in September 2023, KCTCS continues to focus on expanding access to affordable, high-quality education. Quarles emphasized the system’s role in transforming lives and addressing workforce needs across Kentucky.
Conclusion
The record-breaking enrollment at KCTCS underscores the institution’s growing role in providing accessible and affordable education, contributing significantly to Kentucky’s workforce development and economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)?
KCTCS is a network of 16 colleges and over 70 campuses across Kentucky, offering accessible and affordable postsecondary education and workforce training.
How many students are enrolled in KCTCS for the fall 2025 semester?
As of the first week of classes, 70,325 students have enrolled at KCTCS, marking a 6.4% increase from the previous year.
Which colleges within KCTCS experienced the highest enrollment increases?
Jefferson Community and Technical College led with a 12.3% increase, followed by Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College at 9.2%, Somerset Community College at 9.1%, and Hopkinsville Community College at 7.9%.
What demographic groups are contributing to the enrollment growth?
High school students taking dual credit classes increased by 11.6%, accounting for 23.5% of this fall’s enrollment total. Nontraditional students aged 25 and over grew by 10.4%, making up 32% of total enrollment.
Which programs are seeing increased enrollment?
Enrollment in programs aligned with Kentucky’s targeted industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing, business and IT services, construction, healthcare, and transportation and logistics, has also seen an uptick.
What were the credential and graduation statistics for the 2023–24 academic year?
In the 2023–24 academic year, KCTCS awarded 44,402 credentials, including degrees, diplomas, and certificates, marking the highest number since the system’s inception in 1997–98.
Who is the current president of KCTCS?
Ryan Quarles, who assumed the role in September 2023, is the current president of KCTCS.
Key Features of KCTCS Enrollment Growth
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 70,325 students, a 6.4% increase from the previous year. |
| Projected Total Enrollment | Expected to surpass 85,000 before the semester ends. |
| Colleges with Highest Increases | Jefferson Community and Technical College (12.3%), Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (9.2%), Somerset Community College (9.1%), and Hopkinsville Community College (7.9%). |
| Demographic Growth | High school dual credit students increased by 11.6%, nontraditional students aged 25 and over grew by 10.4%. |
| Program-Specific Growth | Increased enrollment in programs aligned with Kentucky’s targeted industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing, business and IT services, construction, healthcare, and transportation and logistics. |
| Credential and Graduation Statistics | 44,402 credentials awarded in the 2023–24 academic year, marking the highest number since the system’s inception in 1997–98. |
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