About Emporia State University
Emporia State University has built its reputation primarily as a teacher preparation powerhouse in the heart of Kansas. The university enrolls 2,328 students in a remote town setting, where education majors have long formed the backbone of campus culture. With a 96% acceptance rate, ESU welcomes nearly all applicants who want to join the Hornets community.
Students pay an average net price of $15,702 after financial aid, which represents solid value for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $47,601 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $19,500. The 97% employment rate suggests strong job placement, though the 54% six-year graduation rate indicates many students take longer to finish than expected. Monthly loan payments average $207, making the debt manageable on teacher salaries.
Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the university's education focus. Nearly 93% of students come from Kansas, creating a tight-knit, homegrown atmosphere. The Hornets compete in Division II athletics across 13 sports, with 456 student-athletes sharing over $2.2 million in athletic scholarships. Campus housing accommodates 933 students, fostering community in this small college town environment.
Students pay an average net price of $15,702 after financial aid, which represents solid value for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $47,601 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $19,500. The 97% employment rate suggests strong job placement, though the 54% six-year graduation rate indicates many students take longer to finish than expected. Monthly loan payments average $207, making the debt manageable on teacher salaries.
Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the university's education focus. Nearly 93% of students come from Kansas, creating a tight-knit, homegrown atmosphere. The Hornets compete in Division II athletics across 13 sports, with 456 student-athletes sharing over $2.2 million in athletic scholarships. Campus housing accommodates 933 students, fostering community in this small college town environment.
Academics & Faculty
Emporia State earned its reputation as a teacher education powerhouse, producing educators across Kansas and beyond for over 160 years. The university's full programs span education, business, and liberal arts, serving 2,328 students with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for meaningful professor relationships. However, the 54% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees, partly reflecting the school's open-access mission with a 96% acceptance rate. The education programs remain the crown jewel, consistently ranking among the state's best for preparing classroom teachers. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and close mentorship, though persistence through graduation requires dedication and academic focus.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 90.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.3%
- Retention Rate
- 67.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,601
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,660 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $59,485 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $52,941 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,889 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $50,856 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $50,439 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $47,260 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $47,260 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $46,300 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $45,435 |
Campus Life
The red brick campus sits 50 miles southwest of Topeka in a classic college town of 25,000 residents. About 40% of students live in the residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where you'll recognize faces across campus. With 2,328 total students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name by the second week.
Kansas weather means heavy winter coats from December through February, with occasional ice storms that cancel classes. Spring brings severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado sirens that send everyone to basement shelters. The Hornets compete in 13 Division II sports, and volleyball and basketball games draw solid crowds to the Sportsplexes. Students often head to Commercial Street's restaurants and shops on weekends, though many drive to Kansas City (130 miles) or Wichita (70 miles) for bigger entertainment. Greek life involves about 15% of students. The education program dominates campus culture, since many students plan to teach in Kansas schools after graduation. Study abroad participation remains strong despite the 67% retention rate.
Kansas weather means heavy winter coats from December through February, with occasional ice storms that cancel classes. Spring brings severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado sirens that send everyone to basement shelters. The Hornets compete in 13 Division II sports, and volleyball and basketball games draw solid crowds to the Sportsplexes. Students often head to Commercial Street's restaurants and shops on weekends, though many drive to Kansas City (130 miles) or Wichita (70 miles) for bigger entertainment. Greek life involves about 15% of students. The education program dominates campus culture, since many students plan to teach in Kansas schools after graduation. Study abroad participation remains strong despite the 67% retention rate.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 933 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1863
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–41°F
- July Avg
- 68°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 73.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
The student body is overwhelmingly local, with 93% of students coming from Kansas. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, reflecting Emporia State's strength in education and human services programs that traditionally attract more female students. About one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves working-class families across rural Kansas. The demographics mirror the school's mission as a regional teacher-training institution. Students tend to be first-generation college attendees from small Kansas towns who want to stay close to home while earning degrees that let them serve their communities.
- Men
- 36.2%
- Women
- 63.8%
- White
- 70.7%
- Black
- 3.9%
- Hispanic
- 12.9%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 92.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.0%
Location
Emporia sits in east-central Kansas, about 110 miles southwest of Kansas City. The town of 24,000 residents revolves around the university, making this a classic college town experience. With 92.92% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with Kansas's prairie landscape and small-town culture. The Flint Hills region offers rolling grasslands and outdoor recreation opportunities that attract students seeking a rural college experience. Downtown Emporia provides the essentials for student life without big-city distractions. The remote setting means students focus on campus activities and building close relationships with classmates. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Emporia State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Emporia, Kansas 66801-5415
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,601
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,287
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Emporia State University?
Emporia State admits 95.67% of applicants with an average ACT score of 20. The university maintains an open-access mission, making higher education accessible to students across Kansas and beyond.
How much does Emporia State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,702 annually, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,658. In-state tuition starts at $7,356, reflecting the university's commitment to affordable education.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Emporia State University?
The university maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with an enrollment of 2,328 students. Emporia State built its reputation on teacher education, creating an environment where faculty mentorship remains central to the academic experience.
What are the graduation rates at Emporia State University?
About 54% of students graduate within six years, with graduates earning a median of $47,601 ten years after enrollment. The university's strong teacher preparation programs have historically led to stable employment outcomes in education.
Where is Emporia State University located?
The campus sits in Emporia, Kansas, a town-remote setting that serves 92.92% in-state students. This small-town atmosphere allows the Hornets athletic programs and tight-knit campus community to flourish.
Does Emporia State University have strong athletics programs?
The Hornets compete in NCAA Division II with 456 total athletes across 13 varsity sports, supported by over $2.2 million in athletic scholarships. The athletics programs are central to campus culture and community identity in this Kansas town.
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