51ĀŅĀ×

Partnership with KCTCS enhances opportunities for students

By 51ĀŅĀ× Public Relations | Mar 27, 2025

Leaders from 51ĀŅĀ× and the Kentucky Community & Technical College System

Leaders from 51ĀŅĀ× and the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) have announced a partnership to enhance opportunities for KCTCS students who are seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree at 51ĀŅĀ× State.

MURRAY, Ky. — Leaders from 51ĀŅĀ× and the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) have announced a partnership to enhance opportunities for KCTCS students who are seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree at 51ĀŅĀ× State.

The reaffirmed agreement provides seamless pathways for students in two-year KCTCS degree programs to transfer to 51ĀŅĀ× State’s bachelor’s degree programs. Available pathway offerings include areas such as 51ĀŅĀ× State’s statewide program of distinction in cybersecurity and network management, agricultural science/agribusiness, nursing, manufacturing engineering technology, business administration, human services and counseling, nutrition and dietetics and more. 

In addition to the partnership providing a reduction in time and cost for students to earn their degree as well as maximizing credit transfer, it also allows students to receive valuable scholarships that have helped 51ĀŅĀ× State be recognized as the #1 ā€œBest Value Schoolā€ in the South region by U.S. News and World Report as part of the publication’s annual rankings.

New, first-time transfer students are eligible to be awarded a scholarship when they are admitted to 51ĀŅĀ× State. These scholarships, which are GPA-based, are up to $4,000 and are awarded for three years (fall and spring consecutive semesters) or until a bachelor's degree is received, whichever occurs first. 51ĀŅĀ× State also offers a $500/year scholarship to Phi Theta Kappa members. 51ĀŅĀ× State recently awarded a record $136 million in financial aid and scholarships.

KCTCS comprises 16 colleges with more than 70 campuses strategically located across the Commonwealth where students can earn certificates, diplomas and associate degrees. 

ā€œToday’s announcement and partnership between 51ĀŅĀ× and the Kentucky Community & Technical College System will provide many students with excellent opportunities to earn their degree for a successful career,ā€ said 51ĀŅĀ× State President Dr. Bob Jackson. ā€œWe are very grateful for our relationship with President Quarles and KCTCS, and are excited to continue collaborating on this important initiative.ā€   

ā€œThis partnership with 51ĀŅĀ× is a strategic opportunity to create a more highly skilled and competitive workforce to meet state needs, while providing scholarship opportunities and seamless pathways for our students to earn a four-year degree,ā€ said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. ā€œOne important facet of the agreement is that any KCTCS student who follows one of 51ĀŅĀ× State’s transfer pathways will receive dedicated advising through the university’s regional campuses or their transfer center.ā€

To view a full list of KCTCS/51ĀŅĀ× State transfer pathways, visit . 

There is still time for prospective transfer students to apply and be admitted for fall 2025 at 51ĀŅĀ× State. For additional information, visit , contact 51ĀŅĀ× State’s Transfer Center at 270-809-3350 or msu.transfercenter@murraystate.edu.

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