The Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has continued Kentucky State University’s accreditation with Probation for Good Cause at its 2025 Annual Meeting, held December 6–9 in Nashville.

The action confirms that Kentucky State University remains accredited and reflects the significant progress made in addressing financial and governance concerns first self-reported by the institution in 2023.

In a message sent to members of the Thorobred Family, the University wrote that this decision “reinforces that Kentucky State University is stronger, more stable, and more future-focused than at any point in recent history.”

Kentucky State was placed on Warning in December 2023 after self-reporting financial and governance concerns involving 16 accreditation standards that were potentially out of compliance. The University acknowledged past deficiencies, took responsibility, and mobilized a comprehensive strategy for improvement. A new Board of Regents was appointed by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a new president was hired, and a restructured leadership team moved swiftly to stabilize operations, strengthen controls, and rebuild confidence among students, employees, alumni, and external partners.

Because of these sustained efforts, the SACSCOC on-site committee visit in October 2024 verified compliance with 11 of the 16 standards. At its December 2025 meeting, the SACSCOC Board recognized measurable and meaningful financial improvement, bringing Kentucky State University into compliance with four of the remaining standards and providing additional time to verify sustained compliance with the final non-core required standard through one more audit cycle.

A SACSCOC special committee will visit campus in October 2026 to confirm compliance with the final remaining standard.

The University’s financial turnaround has been substantial and transformative, as documented in the FY 2024 audited financial statements. Highlights include:

• Net position increased from $11.7 million to $32.3 million, a $20.6 million improvement (176 percent).
• Operating revenue increased by $9 million, nonoperating revenue increased by $3 million, and operating loss decreased by $3 million.
• The unrestricted deficit was reduced by $18 million, a 23 percent improvement.
• Enrollment increased 68 percent over the past three years.
  

At the same December meeting, SACSCOC also approved Kentucky State University’s new Master of Science program in Sports Analytics, adding to other new programs pending approval by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) — a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, a Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Sciences, and a Master of Science in Public Health — as well as the University’s launch of a new online delivery model.

Together, these programs expand the University’s offerings in high-demand fields and support strategic efforts to grow enrollment and meet the needs of today's students.

Looking ahead, University leadership remains focused on best practices in governance, financial management, and academic excellence, and fully committed to preparing its students to excel in the workforce and to serve the Commonwealth of Kentucky and communities beyond its borders.