Kentucky is building a powerful story of student success in its efforts to increase its population of bachelor’s degree holders to 60% of the overall population by 2030.
This goal reflects the benefits of obtaining a bachelor’s degree, citing improvements to the workforce and economy through increased postsecondary credential attainment. More specifically, bachelor’s degrees lead to increased workforce participation, with 93% participation from Kentuckians with a bachelor’s degree as opposed to 77% participation from Kentuckians with a high school diploma.
Over the past five years, Kentucky has made progress in this goal. It has seen a 7% increase in undergraduate degrees and credentials, and currently has an attainment rate of 55% in 2023. Certain organizations have made this progress easier. For instance, the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative (KYSSC) has garnered $4 million to support higher education in Kentucky.
KYSSC emphasizes three key areas in the effort to increase degree attainment. These areas are supporting student basic needs, improvising transfer pathways, and increasing gateway courses. Each of these areas has proven to make a difference; for example, only 2 out of 10 students who pause their education due to financial concerns end up completing their credential. Finding ways to address the root cause–a lack of student basic needs–can have important impacts on continued education.
Organizations like KYSSC hope to expand the population of Kentuckians with postsecondary degrees and credentials by targeting barriers to educational attainment. With six years to go before the 2030 goal, Kentucky strives to support students and bolster the economy.
Source: Kentucky Student Success Collaborative
