CU Participating in Kentucky Private College Week June 15-19

By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University is participating in the sixth annual Private College Week June 15-19.

Kentucky Private College Week is a coordinated effort by the state's 20 nonprofit, independent colleges and universities to provide students and families an easy way to explore a variety of college campuses during the summer.Some campuses will offer special times to accommodate the schedules of non-traditional students.

“We want prospective students and their family members to experience what makes Kentucky's private colleges and universities such a great value,” said Mason Dyer of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU), which sponsors the event. “Many people are surprised to find out how attainable and affordable an independent college education can be.”

The 20 participating campuses serve students from all income levels.

Almost four out of 10 students who attend Kentucky's independent colleges and universities qualify for a Pell Grant, the federal program for students with high financial need. Together, the 20 campuses provide more than $150 million annually in student financial aid and scholarships.

“The college visit is the most important factor in determining if a campus is the right fit for you,” Dyer said. “Using this opportunity to visit multiple campuses is a great way for students and their family members to begin learn more about what each of Kentucky's private colleges and universities have to offer.”

In addition to the two daily sessions, select campuses will host special evening information sessions for working adults interested in pursuing a degree. More than one in five students at Kentucky's independent colleges is at least 25 years old.

“While non-traditional students are always welcome at all of our campuses, more than half of Kentucky's independent colleges offer special opportunities for working adults,” Dyer said. “These include degree-completion programs, evening and weekend classes, online learning, extended campuses, or participation in special programs such as Project Graduate.”

Project Graduate is a statewide initiative to help students with 90 or more credit hours finish a baccalaureate degree.

Not to be overlooked in this economy are the ways in which Kentucky Private College Week helps potential students save money. In addition to reducing travel costs by making it easy to combine visits, each visitor receives an application fee waiver (up to a $40 value) for every campus they visit during Private College Week.

“Kentucky Private College Week is the perfect road-trip opportunity,” Dyer said. “We have campuses located across Kentucky, from Pikeville to Mayfield, in some of the most beautiful places in the entire country. With the economy keeping people closer to home this summer, we see this as a great chance to see Kentucky while also preparing for the future.”

Visit the Kentucky Private College Week blog at kentuckyprivatecolleges.org to register, see videos featuring current students, learn more about participating campuses, get directions, and see the latest news about Kentucky's private colleges.

Kentucky Private College Week is an initiative of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities.

Campuses participating in Kentucky Private College Week include: Alice Lloyd College, Asbury College, Bellarmine University, Berea College, Brescia University, Campbellsville University, Centre College, Georgetown College, Kentucky Christian University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Lindsey Wilson College, Mid-Continent University, Midway College, Pikeville College, St. Catharine College, Spalding University, Thomas More College, Transylvania University, Union College and University of the Cumberlands.

Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,601 students who represent 93 Kentucky counties, 27 states and 31 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2009 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South for the second consecutive year. CU has been ranked 16 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his tenth year as president.