Many returning students who stop out in spring cannot register because of unpaid balances.
The 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.
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.
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.