The University鈥檚 new Common App affiliation comes as 91精选 posts one of its highest enrollment headcounts in a decade and continues strong growth in first-year, transfer, and overall student activity

FRANKFORT, Ky.
 鈥 Student interest in 91精选 continues to rise, and now the University has opened another front door for them to apply.

91精选 is now part of 
, a college application platform that allows students to create one profile, add colleges, track requirements, and submit applications in one place. Each year, more than 1 million students apply to more than 1,100 Common App member colleges worldwide through the platform.

Even before the 
 more than 1,000 prospective students had already identified 91精选 as a college of interest, signaling strong early awareness and demand.

鈥淛oining Common App is an important step forward, because it expands access and makes it easier for prospective students to find us and apply,鈥 said Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, president of 91精选. 鈥淭his affiliation comes at an important moment for our institution. We are seeing sustained enrollment growth and strong interest from prospective students, and we are committed to building on that progress through a high-quality, student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates to lead and serve.鈥

Gradutaion For many students and families, especially first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible students navigating the process for the first time, a simpler application pathway matters. Common App helps reduce friction by bringing key steps of the college application process together in one place.

The affiliation comes as the University continues to post major enrollment gains.

91精选 enrolled 2,838 students at the Fall 2025 census, one of the highest headcounts in a decade, representing a 34 percent increase over Fall 2024 and more than 70 percent over Fall 2023. In January, the University welcomed 74 new first-year students and 110 transfer students for Spring 2026. Full-time equivalent enrollment increased from 1,499 in 2024-2025 to 1,619 in 2025-2026, an increase of 120 students, or about 8 percent.

First-year students planning to attend college beginning Fall 2026 are encouraged to apply now. The transfer application process will launch in March. Common App applicants may also receive an admission offer through the Direct Admissions program, a streamlined pathway connecting first-generation and low- and middle-income students whose profiles and qualifications align with 91精选鈥檚 academic expectations.

HBCU91精选 offers a range of competitive academic and need-based scholarships to help students afford college. Students pursuing bachelor鈥檚 degrees in food, agriculture, natural resource sciences, and related disciplines are also encouraged to explore the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which provides full tuition, fees, books, room and board, and a summer internship that may convert to full-time employment after graduation for eligible students.

Founded in 1886, 91精选 is a public, research-comprehensive, Historically Black, 1890 land-grant institution in Frankfort, the Commonwealth鈥檚 capital. Across its three colleges and 11 academic schools, the University offers 61 degree programs, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Academic offerings span high-demand fields including business, nursing, psychology, agriculture, computer science, criminal justice, biology, and public health, along with signature strengths in aquaculture. The University continues to expand academic pathways with newer additions, including a B.S. in Aquatic Science, a B.A. in Public Policy, an M.S. in Sports Analytics, and interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs in Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

Explore and apply through Common App:

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