Building on the success of the Tuition-Free Pathway launched in Knox County last year, Union Commonwealth University is extending the initiative to the Class of 2027.

Union President Dr. D.J. Washington and members of the university's admissions team visited Barbourville Independent High School, Lynn Camp High School and Knox Central High School Tuesday morning to share the news with students and announce that the pathway will continue for another class of Knox County graduates.

Eligible graduating seniors from all three schools will have the opportunity to attend Union tuition-free beginning in fall 2027.

The results of the first year of the Knox County Tuition-Free Pathway have been significant. Of the 256 students who qualified for the program, 151 received the scholarship and 85 ultimately enrolled at Union Commonwealth University. That represents the largest number of Knox County students enrolled at Union in the university's history, including 78 general students. The pathway also contributed to Union's largest incoming freshman class on record.

The results demonstrate the impact of removing financial barriers for local students and have provided a strong foundation for Union to continue investing in students from the communities it serves.

“After seeing the impact of our first year, there is no question that this is an investment worth continuing. The Pathway is opening doors for local students while strengthening the connection between Union and the communities we have proudly called home for nearly 150 years, said Dr. DJ Washington, President of Union Commonwealth University. “We are excited to see more Knox County students choosing Union, and even more excited about what that means for their families, their future and the future of our region. When local students have the opportunity to stay close to home, earn a college degree and build a career, everyone benefits.”

"The success we have seen with the first class of students in the Knox County Tuition-Free Pathway has reinforced just how meaningful this opportunity is for local families. By extending the pathway to the Class of 2027, we are continuing to make a Union education accessible to students right here in our community while helping them build a strong foundation for their future," said James Becknell, Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment.

The UCU Tuition-Free Pathway was introduced in September 2025 to provide qualifying Knox County students with a tuition-free pathway to Union. The program is designed to make a Union education more accessible while giving local students the opportunity to earn a college degree close to home and without taking on tuition-related debt.

“Every student should have the opportunity to pursue higher education without finances standing in the way of their dreams. The Tuition-Free Pathway gives our Knox County students and families another reason to believe that a college education is possible, attainable and right here in their own community,” said Jeremy Ledford, Superintendent of Knox County Public Schools.  “We deeply value our partnership with Union Commonwealth University and appreciate their commitment to creating opportunities for our students. This is a partnership that puts students first and demonstrates what is possible when our schools and community institutions come together.” 

“The Tuition-Free Pathway is a tremendous opportunity for the students and families of Barbourville Independent. Having an affordable, high-quality university right here in our community can make a college education a reality for students who may otherwise face significant financial barriers, said Dennis Messer, Superintendent of Barbourville Independent Schools. “Union has been a longtime partner of Barbourville Independent, and we are proud to see that relationship continue to create meaningful opportunities for our students. This pathway is an investment not only in our graduates, but in the future of Barbourville and the communities they will one day lead.”

Through the Tuition-Free Pathway, eligible students can have 100% of their eligible tuition and comprehensive fee covered for up to eight semesters. As a last-dollar scholarship, the pathway works alongside federal and other financial aid, with those resources applied first. 

The pathway does not cover room and board, books, personal expenses or certain student, course and laboratory fees.

The priority application deadline is Nov. 1, 2026.

Students and families can learn more about the UCU Tuition-Free Pathway and apply at www.unionky.edu/tuitionfree.