Enrollment up at Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities for second consecutive year

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WYMT) - Officials with the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU) released information Wednesday about enrollment numbers for 18 independent colleges and universities in the state.

AIKCU members in the viewing area include Alice Lloyd College in Knott County, Union Commonwealth University in Knox County, the University of Pikeville in Pike County and the University of the Cumberlands in Whitley County.

AIKCU officials said undergraduate enrollment increased by 3.7% to 34,228 while overall enrollment reached a record 59,477.

The total headcount enrollment of 59,477 was a 0.6% increase.

Alice Lloyd saw 4.63% increase in enrollment from Fall 2023 to Fall 2024. The University of Pikeville saw an 8.50% decrease from Fall 2023 to Fall 2024. There was a 17.27% increase in enrollment from Fall 2023 to Fall 2024 at Union Commonwealth University. The University of Cumberlands experienced an increase of 8.57% in enrollment from Fall 2023 to Fall 2024.

Officials said there was 69% increase in overall enrollment from Fall 2014 to Fall 2024. This includes those in graduate and undergraduate programs.

“In a year where there was so much uncertainty around the rollout of the new FAFSA form, there was good news for AIKCU campuses,” said AIKCU President Mason Dyer. “Students and families continue to see great value in an independent college education, as evidenced by these strong enrollment numbers for the sector.”

For more details about student enrollment numbers, you can go here.

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