About Pittsburg State University
The financial picture works in students' favor. Average net price sits at $18,889, while graduates earn a median of $50,579 ten years after graduation. Students typically graduate with $18,969 in debt and monthly loan payments of $201. With a 97.6% employment rate, most graduates find work quickly after completing their degrees. The numbers suggest students get solid return on their investment.
Campus life revolves around the Gorillas athletic teams competing in NCAA Division II. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women at roughly 50-50. About 63% of students come from Kansas, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. Most graduates stay in the region, contributing to local industries and schools.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 66.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.6%
- Retention Rate
- 77.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,579
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $66,941 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $61,218 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $60,452 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,586 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $51,273 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $48,432 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $46,087 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $45,852 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Bachelor | $45,383 |
Campus Life
The Gorillas compete in Division II athletics with 372 student-athletes participating across 8 varsity sports, and football games draw passionate crowds to campus. Students often gather at local coffee shops or head to nearby Frontenac for more dining options on weekends. With 62% of students coming from Kansas, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty to do through the university's active Greek life and student organizations. The engineering and education programs create a practical, career-focused culture where students bond over challenging coursework and hands-on projects that prepare them for immediate employment after graduation.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,150 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1903
Campus Safety (2023)
29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Rape | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–42°F
- July Avg
- 70°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 9.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 49.9%
- Women
- 50.1%
- White
- 79.0%
- Black
- 3.2%
- Hispanic
- 7.5%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 62.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.3%
Location
- Address
- Pittsburg, Kansas 66762
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,579
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,179
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $201/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,969
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pittsburg State University?
Pittsburg State University accepts 86.18% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. The university provides accessible higher education to students throughout Kansas and the region. Most admitted students find the academic standards manageable while still challenging.
How much does Pittsburg State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Pittsburg State University is $18,889 annually. In-state students pay $8,008 in tuition while out-of-state students pay $19,692. About 32.26% of students receive Pell Grants, making education affordable for working-class families.
What is Pittsburg State University known for academically?
Pittsburg State University excels in teacher education and engineering technology programs that emphasize practical skills. The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in technical fields. Students graduate ready for hands-on careers in education, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
How much do Pittsburg State University graduates earn?
Pittsburg State University graduates earn a median salary of $50,579 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 97.6%, reflecting strong job placement in regional industries. Graduates typically leave with $18,969 in debt and monthly loan payments of $201.
What is campus life like at Pittsburg State University?
The campus houses 1,150 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere among the 4,162 total enrollment. The Gorillas compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 372 student-athletes across 8 varsity sports. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women at this southeastern Kansas university.
Does Pittsburg State University have a strong graduation rate?
Pittsburg State University graduates 56.54% of students in four years and 57.60% within six years. The 77.84% retention rate shows most freshmen return for their sophomore year. These rates reflect the university's focus on supporting first-generation college students and working adults who often attend part-time.
