To Footer

History and Functions of KCTCS

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) was created by the 1997 Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act to help improve access to higher education for all Kentuckians.

KCTCS is the largest provider of higher education, workforce training, dual credit classes and online learning in Kentucky.

The 16 colleges of KCTCS have more than 70 campuses strategically located across the Commonwealth within a 30-minute drive of 95 percent of all Kentuckians.

Students can earn three types of credentials – certificates, diplomas and associate degrees including: associate in arts, associate in science, associate in fine arts, and associate in applied science. Since our inception, we have increased the number of credentials awarded by nearly 500 percent. KCTCS is number one nationally in the number of credentials awarded based on population.

Our programs target Kentucky’s high growth industry sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, energy, IT/business and transportation/logistics. Some programs in these fields can be completed in four months or less. We collaborate with businesses throughout the state to align our programs with their needs so our students can step out of college and into a job.

Through our business partnerships and registered apprenticeships we provide students with the skills required today and to help industries and individuals develop the capabilities they will need tomorrow. Since 2000, our Workforce Solutions team has served three million program participants.

Last year, KCTCS trained and educated:

  • Nearly 93,000 credit-seeking students.
  • 94 percent of skilled trades workers.
  • 87 percent of all associate degrees in nursing and allied health.
  • 62 percent of the state's total nursing and allied health credentials.

KCTCS colleges offer a wide range of student services. The majority of our students receive federal financial aid and a variety of need and merit-based scholarships. KCTCS colleges are also the best value in postsecondary education in Kentucky, with the lowest tuition in the Commonwealth. Students pay less than half the cost of the most of the state’s public four-year universities.

Each KCTCS college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Commission on Colleges of the  (SACSCOC).

To learn more about KCTCS, visit (kctcs.edu).