KCTCS hits all-time high for credentials and graduates since 1997-98

Published on Jun 24, 2025

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is celebrating a record-breaking academic year with preliminary data showing the highest number of credentials and graduates since the system’s founding in the 1997-98 academic year.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the 16 community colleges awarded 44,402 credentials, including degrees, diplomas and certificates, marking the most credentials awarded in a single year since 1997–98.

The number of graduates also reached record highs. To date, 24,263 graduates earned at least one credential, representing the highest number of distinct graduates in an academic year since 1997-98.

Spring 2025 alone set new records with colleges awarding 23,313 credentials to 13,468 graduates—both all-time highs for a spring semester since 1998.

“These milestones demonstrate the commitment of our students, faculty and staff to creating a better future for themselves, their families and our state,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “Each credential awarded represents a step toward a stronger Kentucky workforce and a more resilient economy.”

The official graduate and credential counts will be submitted to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education next month. Final totals may vary slightly.

KCTCS continues to serve as the state’s largest provider of postsecondary education and workforce training, offering accessible, affordable opportunities to students in every region of the commonwealth.