LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is celebrating a number of achievements from the 2025-26 school year, including a record-breaking graduation class.
KCTCS said Monday that preliminary numbers show 25,013 total students graduated between its 16 colleges — including Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville — during the 2025-26 school year.
That's a 2.4% increase — 600 more students — compared to the previous year. It's also the most students in the system's history.
Additionally, KCTCS said those graduating students earned 47,513 certificates, diplomas and degrees. That is the most ever awarded by the system and it's a 6.3% increase, or 3,000 more credentials, compared to last year.
"This record-breaking year is a testament to the determination of our students and the dedication of the faculty and staff across our 16 colleges who support them every step of the way," said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles.
Other achievements KCTCS highlighted included an improved three-year graduation rate of 51% — the highest in history and above the national average — and the fact that 74% of KCTCS students graduated with zero student loan debt.
KCTCS is the state's largest postsecondary institution. The colleges in the system were responsible for 58% of Kentucky's undergraduate credentials.
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