The University’s new Common App affiliation comes as Kentucky State posts one of its
highest enrollment headcounts in a decade and continues strong growth in first-year,
transfer, and overall student activity
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Student interest in Kentucky State University continues to rise, and now the University
has opened another front door for them to apply.
Kentucky State is now part of Common App, a college application platform that allows students to create one profile, add colleges,
track requirements, and submit applications in one place. Each year, more than 1 million
students apply to more than 1,100 Common App member colleges worldwide through the
platform.
Even before the Common App application went live, more than 1,000 prospective students had already identified Kentucky State University
as a college of interest, signaling strong early awareness and demand.
“Joining Common App is an important step forward, because it expands access and makes
it easier for prospective students to find us and apply,” said Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo,
president of Kentucky State University. “This affiliation comes at an important moment
for our institution. We are seeing sustained enrollment growth and strong interest
from prospective students, and we are committed to building on that progress through
a high-quality, student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates to
lead and serve.”
For many students and families, especially first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible
students navigating the process for the first time, a simpler application pathway
matters. Common App helps reduce friction by bringing key steps of the college application
process together in one place.
The affiliation comes as the University continues to post major enrollment gains.
Kentucky State enrolled 2,838 students at the Fall 2025 census, one of the highest
headcounts in a decade, representing a 34 percent increase over Fall 2024 and more
than 70 percent over Fall 2023. In January, the University welcomed 74 new first-year
students and 110 transfer students for Spring 2026. Full-time equivalent enrollment
increased from 1,499 in 2024-2025 to 1,619 in 2025-2026, an increase of 120 students,
or about 8 percent.
First-year students planning to attend college beginning Fall 2026 are encouraged
to apply now. The transfer application process will launch in March. Common App applicants
may also receive an admission offer through the Direct Admissions program, a streamlined
pathway connecting first-generation and low- and middle-income students whose profiles
and qualifications align with Kentucky State’s academic expectations.
Kentucky State offers a range of competitive academic and need-based scholarships
to help students afford college. Students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in food, agriculture,
natural resource sciences, and related disciplines are also encouraged to explore
the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which provides full tuition, fees, books,
room and board, and a summer internship that may convert to full-time employment after
graduation for eligible students.
Founded in 1886, Kentucky State University is a public, research-comprehensive, Historically
Black, 1890 land-grant institution in Frankfort, the Commonwealth’s capital. Across
its three colleges and 11 academic schools, the University offers 61 degree programs,
including a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Academic offerings span high-demand fields
including business, nursing, psychology, agriculture, computer science, criminal justice,
biology, and public health, along with signature strengths in aquaculture. The University
continues to expand academic pathways with newer additions, including a B.S. in Aquatic
Science, a B.A. in Public Policy, an M.S. in Sports Analytics, and interdisciplinary
undergraduate and graduate programs in Biological and Agricultural Engineering.
Explore and apply through Common App:
https://www.commonapp.org/explore/kentucky-state-university
