At $15,702/yr net price, Emporia State University graduates earn $47,601/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,601/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,702 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,808 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,601/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,601/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,658/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,763/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,438/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,019/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,347/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,660 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $59,485 | $18,868 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $21,581 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,889 | $18,499 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $50,856 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $50,439 | $18,862 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $47,260 | $24,237 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $46,300 | $16,026 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $45,435 | $12,963 |
The Risk Factor
54.3% of students at Emporia State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Emporia State University delivers solid financial returns for specific career paths but struggles with overall graduation rates that create real financial risk. Business and information science programs produce strong outcomes, with business graduates earning $67,660 annually against relatively low debt loads. Nursing also pays off well at $52,941, though you'll carry slightly higher debt at $21,581.
The biggest concern is the 54% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students leave without degrees while still owing money. The 67% retention rate signals early warning signs that many students find the academic or social fit challenging. This creates genuine financial risk if you're not confident about your major choice and study habits.
Your safest bet financially is entering with a clear path toward business, information science, or nursing. Liberal arts graduates earn $50,856, which represents decent value given the low net price, but avoid education-focused majors unless you're committed to the field long-term.
The $15,702 net price makes this school particularly attractive if you're Kansas-focused and want to avoid heavy debt loads. Only 34% of students receive aid, suggesting either strong family financial resources among attendees or limited institutional aid availability. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed.
This school works best for cost-conscious students with clear career goals who can handle the academic demands. If you're uncertain about your major or struggled academically in high school, the completion risks outweigh the low sticker price. Look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support systems or are exploring majors outside the high-earning programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emporia State University worth the money?
Emporia State University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $15,702 and moderate debt levels around $19,500. However, the 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't graduate.
What are the highest paying majors at Emporia State University?
Business Administration leads at $67,660 annually, followed by Information Science at $59,485. Nursing and Educational Administration both hover around $52,000, while Liberal Arts graduates earn about $50,856.
How much debt do Emporia State University graduates have?
The median debt is $19,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. With the school's 95% acceptance rate and lower academic barriers, this debt level is reasonable for most graduates who complete their degrees.
Do Emporia State University graduates get good jobs?
Graduates earn a median of $47,601 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. The ROI depends heavily on your major, with business and tech programs offering better prospects than general studies.