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Northern Kentucky University outlines Young Scholars Academy outcomes and per-student costs
Summary
NKU told the committee its Young Scholars Academy serves dual-credit juniors and seniors with strong outcomes (40% earn an associate degree; 95% go on to college) but varies substantially in district cost-sharing; NKU reported roughly $11,000 operating cost per student and asked for continued partnership attention.
Northern Kentucky University representatives described the Young Scholars Academy (YSA) as a two-year immersive dual-credit program for 11th and 12th graders that partners with regional districts to deliver college coursework on campus during the school day.
NKU officials reported cumulative figures across cohorts: over 700 students served since inception, roughly 350 graduates to date, and an average student GPA of about 3.3. NKU said YSA students average roughly 58 college credits and 40 percent of participants earn an associate degree while in the program. NKU also said 95 percent of YSA participants continue to college and about 80 percent stay in-state; 54 percent of graduates enroll at NKU.
On finances, NKU presenters explained cost-sharing varies by district. They reported an average district expense of about $5,700 per YSA student and NKU'borne costs of about $3,700, yielding an annual operating cost near $11,000 per student and an estimated $7,000 funding gap in some districts. "Some districts pick up tuition and costs," the presenters said; in other places families or districts bear some fees and transportation costs. NKU said it provides two full-time staff and in-kind campus services such as advising and facilities.
Committee members asked logistical and equity questions: how students commute (buses deliver students to NKU around 8 a.m. and return them by 2 p.m.), whether students remain enrolled in their home districts (they do, and districts remain responsible for support services), and how districts recruit and sustain cohorts. NKU emphasized local flexibility in how cohorts are organized and said the program helps small districts scale access to college coursework they otherwise could not provide.
The committee requested additional budget details and a clearer picture of which districts fully subsidize costs versus those that require parent contributions.
