• Many returning students who stop out in spring cannot register because of unpaid balances.
  • I he university is exploring unmet-need scholarships and external scholarship support to keep more students enrolled.
  • For students with very low GPAs, Kentucky State sometimes coordinates with partner institutions (e.g., community colleges) where they can improve academic standing before returning.

Regent Childs reiterated students' interest in a "scholarship fair" where staff help them identify and apply for multiple scholarships in one sitting. Dr. Mayberry confirmed that collaboration with scholarship coordinators (including Thurgood Marshall and 1890-related programs) is underway to support this concept.

Graduate Education and Online Programs

Dr. Dailey reported strong growth in graduate enrollment, particularly in online programs:

  • As of late September, Kentucky State enrolled approximately 400 graduate students, including about 100 in the university's online programs.
  • Approximately 51% of the online graduate students are in the MBA program.
  • The university has launched or revitalized multiple graduate programs in the past year, including MBA, Environmental Studies, Criminal Justice, Social Work (BSW and MSW), and upcoming public health/allied health programs.

He summarized Kentucky State's online growth:

  • Prior to the launch of the new online initiative, the university had 74 online students.
  • After launching in Fall 2024, online enrollment rose to 147 students.
  • As of this fall, online enrollment stands at 493 students, representing roughly a 500% increase in one year.

Dr. Dailey explained that:

  • Kentucky State does not use a revenue-sharing model with its online services partner. Instead, the university pays for services up front, and all tuition revenue flows back to Kentucky State.
  • Most online instruction is currently delivered by adjunct faculty, including some Kentucky State faculty who teach online for additional compensation.
  • The university anticipates reaching its break-even point in year three of the online initiative, after which it will gradually shift from a 90/10 reinvestment model to 80/20 (and potentially 70/30) between program reinvestment and general university support, based on sustained growth.

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