Each Friday (almost) on AIKCU.org we feature a new graphic that highlights an important aspect of independent higher education in Kentucky. Our apologies for being a little late with this edition.

One of the misperceptions that persists about independent colleges is that they still serve primarily traditional students - students who graduate from high school and immediately enter college as full-time students pursuing a four year degree.

Today we look at the reality in Kentucky: both independent colleges and universities and public four year universities are serving large numbers of students who do not fit this traditional mold.  At AIKCU instituitons about 25 percent of undergraduates entering each fall do not fit into the first-time, full-time category, a number roughly equivalent to Kentucky’s public universities. These may be transfer students, older students, part-time students, students returning to finish a degree, or students who for some other reason don’t fit into the first-time, full-time category.

Download Share of new undergrads who are not traditional students (PDF)