KCTCS fall enrollment jumps 6.4 %, topping 70,000 students

By News Reporter Gabby Cedano

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has welcomed 70,325 students for the Fall 2025 term, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the same time last year.

The KCTCS student body represents all 120 counties in the commonwealth and has seen an enrollment jump of 4,211 students. Then with multiple start dates still ahead, officials project that the total enrollment will exceed 85,000 before the semester concludes.

In a news release, KCTCS President Ryan Quarles says the strong enrollment growth reflects the growing confidence Kentuckians have in their colleges as the most affordable and accessible pathway to a better future and a great career. He says that whether students are earning a credential, training for a career, or getting a head start with dual credit in high school, they are committed to helping them succeed and strengthening Kentucky’s workforce.

Fourteen of KCTCS’s colleges reported gains, with nine exceeding 5% growth. Hopkinsville Community College had an enrollment increase of 7.9% since Fall 2024.

Enrollment increases occurred across multiple categories. Credential-seeking students are up 4.4%, high school dual credit students are up 12.6%, workforce/non-degree students are up 5.9%, full-time students are up 5.2% and part-time students are up 7.2%.

New student enrollment grew by 2.5%, which was reportedly driven largely by a 9.6% increase in high school students and a 3.7% rise in workforce/non-degree enrollment. Official enrollment numbers for Fall 2025 will be finalized later this year.