FRANKFORT, Ky., March 12, 2026 — Enrollment continues to increase at a healthy pace at Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities, which saw a 5.9% increase in undergraduate enrollment for Fall 2025.

 

Undergraduate enrollment reached a record 36,209, while overall undergraduate and graduate enrollment hit a record 60,055.

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The Fall 2025 figures come from new enrollment data released by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.

 

This is the third year in a row for significant growth on independent campuses, which make up the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities. Undergraduate enrollment increased 5.6% for Fall 2023, 3.7% for Fall 2024, and 5.9% for Fall 2025.

 

Independent Colleges Help Boost Kentucky's Overall Enrollment

AIKCU growth contributed to a 5% increase in Kentucky’s overall statewide enrollment of both public and independent institutions, well over the national average of 1%. AIKCU institutions saw especially strong enrollment growth for adult (ages 25-64) undergraduates at 22% and for first-time undergraduate students at 14.9%.

 

“We’re pleased to see that our independent colleges and universities continue to contribute substantially to Kentucky’s overall postsecondary enrollment growth,” AIKCU President Mason Dyer said. “The overall enrollment increase among AIKCU institutions shows that students and families continue to recognize the value Kentucky’s independent colleges offer as they seek to prepare for careers and lives of purpose.”

 

Numbers at a Glance: AIKCU Fall 2025 Enrollment

 

• 5.9% increase to record 36,209 in undergraduate enrollment.

• Record 60,055 in total headcount (undergraduate and graduate) enrollment, a 1% increase from Fall 2024.

• 22% increase in adult (25-64), nontraditional undergraduate enrollment.

• 14.9% jump in first-time undergraduate enrollment. 

• 4.9% increase in overall enrollment (undergraduate and graduate) from Fall 2020-Fall 2025.

• AIKCU growth contributed to 5% increase in Kentucky’s overall statewide enrollment of both public and independent institutions, well over national average of 1%.
   

CPE Resources

CPE releases enrollment updates each February after enrollment data collection closes, with the full report and interactive dashboards published in mid-February. The enrollment report looks at undergraduate enrollment across the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, public four-year universities, and AIKCU-affiliated independent institutions. See details in CPE's Fall 2025 Enrollment and Retention Report and news release.