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By: Stacey Walters | September 13, 2024
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is proud to announce an outstanding achievement in student retention for the 2023-2024 academic year. With a remarkable retention rate of 84.6%, UPIKE significantly outperformed the national average of 74% for private colleges and universities in the U.S.
This retention rate is particularly notable given UPIKE’s commitment as an open access institution, dedicated to supporting all students regardless of their academic background or future aspirations. By upholding this inclusive mission, UPIKE is setting a new benchmark for student success and institutional excellence. Notably, transfer student enrollment has surged by 34%, while undergraduate enrollment continues to remain robust.
This significant increase in retention rates highlight UPIKE’s dedication to providing a supportive and engaging educational environment. The impactful figures are the result of concerted efforts to enhance the student experience, including personalized academic advising, parent/guardian advising, specialized first-generation support and initiatives to promote belonging.
UPIKE is experiencing record-breaking enrollment figures for international students in its undergraduate and professional programs. Hailing from 30 countries, including Colombia, Kenya, Macedonia, Australia and Kazakhstan, students are attracted by UPIKE’s high academic standards and the natural beauty and safe environment of Eastern Kentucky. Their presence enriches campus dialogue, fosters collaboration, and enhances research, while also equipping all students with the skills needed for a globalized future.
With the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) hitting its maximum capacity for the past four years in a row, 579 students are in attendance. KYCOM plans to expand its enrollment in 2026 for a total of 200 more medical students. Upon graduation, many of these new doctors will practice in rural areas to provide equity in access to healthcare.
The Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) is also at maximum capacity with an enrollment of 232 students and is expanding by adding new clinics in the community. Alongside this growth, KYCO continues its commitment to K-12 students by offering essential eye exams, emphasizing the importance of its partnerships within the community.
Another exciting development is on the horizon with the upcoming launch of the Tanner School of Dental Medicine. In response to the oral health needs of not only Eastern Kentucky, but the nation, UPIKE hopes to begin accepting applications in the summer of 2025 for its inaugural cohort of 60 students.
“Our university is thriving because we approach our mission to serve our communities with deliberate intent,” said President Burton Webb. “UPIKE is a truly vibrant place to study, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our faculty and staff. They tirelessly create an environment of belonging that both challenges and supports our students across all our colleges, empowering them to succeed.”
UPIKE remains committed to maintaining and further improving these retention rates by continuing to invest in programs and initiatives that support student success.For more information about UPIKE and its commitment to student success, please visit www.upike.edu.