Home - Ky. Council on Postsecondary Education Big Goal: 60x30 Higher education drives innovation, strengthens the economy, creates wealth, reduces inequality, breaks cycles of poverty and enhances well-being. That's why we've set an attainment goal of 60% of the population with degrees and credentials by 2030 -- and we're making progress! Learn more >> Latest News To view other great content, visit our news area >> New CPE report finds dual credit increases the likelihood of postsecondary enrollment April 21, 2026 According to a new CPE report, the likelihood of dual credit participants enrolling in college directly after high school is 72%. University student leaders eager to spread the word about the value of higher education April 2, 2026 Kentucky’s university student leaders are working together to share a strong message about the value of higher education and the opportunities it creates for students across the Commonwealth. CPE recognizes faculty and staff from three Kentucky colleges for excellence in student-focused efforts March 27, 2026 Faculty and staff from EKU, Bellarmine University, and ECTC have been recognized for their dedication to student success by the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative, a unit of CPE. CPE board approves additional budget request for new osteopathic medicine program at EKU March 16, 2026 CPE's board approved an appropriation request of $50 million to the General Assembly for EKU to stand up a new doctoral program in osteopathic medicine. Upcoming Meetings April 16 Dual Credit Advisory Council, Work Session April 22 Commowealth Education Continuum April 27 Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund Steering Committee April 28 Committee on Educational Opportunities View all meetings >> Legislative Review CPE is accepting comments on 16 KAR 2:140. Research consortiums Kentucky By the Numbers Public Universities 58% Six-Year Graduation Rate 30K+ Degrees Awarded in AY23 16 Community and Technical Colleges 40% Three-Year Graduation Rate 40K Credentials Awarded in AY23 Kentucky's Progress to the 60x30 Goal Educational Attainment of Kentucky Adults (2023) Source: CPE Data, Research and Analytics Unit. Increases in the Number of Kentucky Credential Holders Explore Our Data Our President Dr. Aaron Thompson "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 >> Our Campuses 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 for higher education that will guide innovation and improvement through 2030. Learn more about the strategic agenda >> Transitions Affordability Success Talent 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. Join the Movement! 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.