New infographic highlights record degree totals, Kentucky connections, dual-credit success, academic achievement, and student support

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Four hundred twenty-eight degrees and credentials. Twenty-six states. Nine countries. More than $10.1 million in grants and scholarships.

For Kentucky State University’s Class of 2026, the numbers tell a story of growth, reach, and opportunity. The University’s new “Class of 2026 by the Numbers” infographic captures the data behind its largest graduating class in recent history.

Across summer 2025, fall 2025, and spring 2026, Kentucky State awarded 428 degrees and credentials, a 28 percent increase over the previous year and a 112 percent increase from four years ago. Undergraduate degrees and credentials rose to 316, while graduate degrees climbed to 112.

“Behind every number is a student and a community,” President Koffi C. Akakpo said.

The class extended across Kentucky and far beyond. Half of all degree and certificate recipients came from the Commonwealth, up from 36 percent last year. Graduates represented 26 states and nine countries: The Bahamas, Canada, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda.

For some students, the path to a Kentucky State credential began before high school graduation. Thirty high school seniors earned associate degrees through the University’s dual-credit program while completing a combined 1,897 college credit hours, including 28 from Frankfort High School and one each from Franklin County High School and Woodford County High School.

Academic achievement brought another measure of distinction. Ninety-eight undergraduate degree recipients were listed with Latin honors, including 19 summa cum laude, 29 magna cum laude, and 50 cum laude. Another 114 graduates earned departmental honors.

Financial support helped turn access into opportunity. Bachelor’s degree recipients received $10,139,172 in grants and scholarships through federal grants, institutional aid, external scholarships, and state grants.

Over the last four decades, dating to 1986, Kentucky State has awarded 12,016 degrees and credentials. The milestone builds on a much longer story: In spring 1890, the institution produced its first graduating class of five students.

For Kentucky State, the Class of 2026 numbers point beyond Commencement day. They reflect a University expanding pathways, strengthening ties to Kentucky, supporting students and families, and preparing graduates to carry its mission into communities across the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world.