The Power of Independent Colleges
Kentucky’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities are changing the trajectory of individual lives, families, and communities.
AIKCU is proud to support our 18 member institutions in their efforts.
Enrollment is growing at a healthy pace at Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities. For Fall 2025, there was a 5.9% increase in undergraduate enrollment for a record 36,209, and an increase in overall undergraduate and graduate enrollment for a record 60,055.
This is the third year in a row for strong growth on AIKCU member campuses. Undergraduate enrollment increased 5.6% for Fall 2023, 3.7% for Fall 2024, and 5.9% for Fall 2025.
See full news release here.
Enrollment sees healthy growth at Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities
Photo courtesy of Centre College
AIKCU kicks off leadership development program for new class of rising leaders
"Empowered, eye-opening, enlightening, energizing, motivating, affirming, introspective, encouraging, momentum, inspiring, and ameliorating."
These are a few of the words participants used to describe their first session of the Advancing Leaders Program at Transylvania University.
The Class of 2026 is the second cohort taking part in an annual leadership development program for rising higher education leaders offered by AIKCU in conjunction with Credo.
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See who's in the Class of 2026!
AIKCU presidents, KCTCS President Quarles share goal of preparing grads for promising careers
Presidents of Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities hosted Kentucky Community & Technical College System President Ryan Quarles at the AIKCU Board of Directors’ winter meeting. The commonwealth’s 18 independent four-year institutions and its 16 public community and technical colleges share similar goals — to ensure postsecondary education and workforce education is relevant, accessible, and affordable while preparing graduates for meaningful careers.
AIKCU presidents and Dr. Quarles discussed strengthening transfer pathways and other areas of mutual interest, including the legislature’s continued strong support for Kentucky Lottery-funded student financial aid programs.
​SYDNEY NEWTON
2025-26 Milken Educator Award Winner
Teacher, English/Language Arts • Taylor County High School • Campbellsville
AIKCU celebrates the power of a degree from Kentucky’s independent colleges as Sydney Newton earns an “Oscar of Teaching” for her outstanding efforts in the classroom.
Sydney completed degrees from two AIKCU member campuses — a bachelor’s degree from Lindsey Wilson University and dual master’s degrees from Campbellsville University.
Congratulations, Sydney!
AIKCU's Bottom Line:
Kentucky's 18 independent colleges and universities contribute $2.06 BILLION to state's economy
What We Do
ADVOCATE
We serve as the voice of Kentucky's independent colleges and universities, advocating for policies that recognize the sector's critical role and help students access and afford a distinctive,
high-quality education.
CONNECT
We provide opportunities for member affiliate groups to meet in person
and online to share experiences and
best practices with colleagues from other institutions.
COLLABORATE
We coordinate cost-saving agreements with businesses and vendors to save our members time and money on a wide range of goods, services, and
insurance products.
News
Enrollment sees healthy growth at Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities
March 12, 2026
Enrollment is growing at a healthy pace at Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities. For Fall 2025, there was a 5.9% increase in undergraduate enrollment for a record 36,209, and an increase in overall undergraduate and graduate enrollment for a record 60,055.
AIKCU President Mason Dyer named to CIC Board of Directors
Feb. 9, 2026
AIKCU President Mason Dyer was one of seven members elected to the Council of Independent Colleges Board of Directors during its annual board meeting in January. His three-year term will end in January 2029. The CIC is an association of more than 700 nonprofit independent colleges and universities and affiliates that support independent higher education’s contributions to society.
INSIDE AIKCU Blog
AIKCU President Mason Dyer talks about independent higher ed in Kentucky
