Cumberlands and KCTCS Strengthen Partnership to Simplify Transfer Process

University of the Cumberlands and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) are strengthening their shared commitment to making higher education more accessible through a new agreement designed to simplify the transfer process and reduce costs for prospective students.

The latest step in the partnership establishes a transcript retrieval service that eliminates transcript ordering costs for eligible students applying to Cumberlands after attending one or more KCTCS institutions. The service allows Cumberlands to retrieve transcripts with the student's authorization while enabling KCTCS and its colleges to maintain their existing transcript fulfillment processes.

"Every student deserves a clear and accessible pathway to achieving their educational goals," said Dr. Quentin Young, University of the Cumberlands president. "Our partnership with KCTCS reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities for students to build on the education they've already earned. By simplifying the transfer process, we're helping students spend less time navigating administrative requirements and more time focusing on their academic success."

The new service builds on a memorandum of agreement (MOA) announced in 2024 that established a clear pathway for KCTCS graduates to complete an affordable bachelor's degree at Cumberlands. The original agreement focused on improving the application, academic advising, and transfer credit evaluation processes to create a more seamless transition between institutions.

Together, these efforts reflect a continued commitment to ensuring Kentucky students have access to affordable, high-quality education, regardless of their backgrounds or where they begin their academic journeys.

"Making higher education more accessible and affordable is central to our mission at KCTCS," said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. "Our students work hard to earn their credentials, and we want to ensure they have every opportunity to continue their education without unnecessary barriers. By eliminating transcript ordering costs, and simplifying the transfer process, we're making it easier for more Kentuckians to take the next step toward earning a bachelor's degree."

The transcript retrieval service applies to prospective students who apply for admission to Cumberlands, identify one or more KCTCS institutions they previously attended, and provide the required authorization for transcript retrieval.

The service does not apply to transcripts from institutions outside KCTCS or to transcript requests unrelated to admission to Cumberlands. All other provisions of the original 2024 agreement remain unchanged.

"For many students, transferring to a four-year university is an important step toward building a better future, and that transition should be as simple and affordable as possible," said Dr. Jennifer Simpson, provost at Cumberlands. "We know that even small expenses and extra steps can create unnecessary obstacles. By removing transcript ordering costs and making the process more convenient, we're demonstrating our commitment to meeting students where they are and supporting them every step of the way."

Through continued collaboration, Cumberlands and KCTCS are working to make the transition from community and technical college to a four-year university more efficient, affordable, and student-centered, helping more Kentuckians take the next step toward earning their degrees.

About KCTCS

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is the commonwealth's largest postsecondary institution, with 16 colleges and more than 70 campuses. KCTCS is also Kentucky's largest provider of workforce training, dual credit courses, and online education. Through partnerships with business and industry, KCTCS aligns its programs with the needs of local employers. Its colleges are united in their commitment to improving the lives of students, communities, and citizens throughout Kentucky. To learn more, visit kctcs.edu.

About University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands is one of the largest and most affordable private universities in Kentucky. Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Cumberlands is an institution of regional distinction offering quality associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, along with a variety of certificates. Committed to providing an accessible, affordable education to students from all backgrounds, Cumberlands prepares students for success in their careers and communities. In 2026, Cumberlands was named the No. 1 Best Value College in Kentucky by Research.com in recognition of its commitment to affordability and student outcomes. Learn more at ucumberlands.edu.