Emporia State University

Emporia State University has an ROI score of 67, indicating a reasonable return on investment. The median 10-year earnings are $47,601 with median debt of $19,500, and the university boasts a high affordability score.

The graduation rate at Emporia State University is 55.2%.

Emporia State University has a high admission rate of 97.7%, making it very accessible.

The median earnings 10 years after entry for Emporia State University graduates are $47,601.

Yes, Emporia State University has a high affordability score of 90, suggesting it is a cost-effective option, especially for in-state students.

Emporia State University boasts a highly accessible admission rate of 97.7%, indicating that it is not overly selective. This means that the vast majority of students who apply are accepted, making it a welcoming institution for a broad range of academic backgrounds. To be considered for admission, prospective students typically need a high school diploma or GED. While specific GPA or standardized test score cutoffs are not heavily emphasized due to the high acceptance rate, maintaining a solid academic record in high school is always beneficial. Applicants are generally encouraged to submit their high school transcripts. For those seeking to maximize their chances, focusing on strong performance in core academic subjects and participating in extracurricular activities can strengthen an application. ESU also offers various pathways for admission, including transfer options for students coming from other institutions. The university aims to provide educational opportunities to as many qualified students as possible, reflecting its mission as a public institution dedicated to serving the community and state.

Emporia State University offers a strong value, particularly for Kansas residents. The in-state tuition is a modest $7,106 annually, significantly below the national average for public universities. Coupled with a median 10-year earning potential of $47,601 and a median student debt of $19,500, the return on investment (ROI) is quite favorable, reflected in its ROI score of 67. Graduates earning the median salary could realistically pay off their student loans within approximately 2 to 3 years. This makes ESU a financially sound choice for students seeking an affordable education that leads to stable employment. For out-of-state students, the higher tuition of $15,419 necessitates a more thorough financial evaluation, and securing scholarships or grants becomes crucial to ensure a comparable return on investment. Overall, ESU is a good deal for in-state students, providing a solid educational foundation without the burden of excessive debt.

Emporia State University excels in several key areas, making certain majors particularly strong choices. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers robust programs in fields like Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, providing a strong foundation for graduate studies or entry-level positions in research and healthcare. The School of Business is well-regarded, with programs in Accounting, Marketing, and Management preparing students for roles in the regional business landscape. However, ESU has a particularly strong historical reputation and current strength in its Teacher Education programs. Graduates from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education are highly sought after by school districts across Kansas, making education a consistently reliable path. The Department of Nursing and Health Sciences also produces well-prepared graduates who are in high demand within the healthcare sector. For students interested in the arts, the Department of Art and Design and the Department of Music offer dedicated faculty and opportunities for creative development. Students considering ESU should explore programs with strong faculty mentorship and clear career pathways, such as education, nursing, and business.

Student life at Emporia State University is characterized by a friendly, close-knit campus community, typical of a smaller Midwestern university. With an undergraduate population of around 2,239 students, ESU fosters an environment where students can easily connect with peers and faculty. The university offers a range of extracurricular activities, including over 100 student organizations covering academic interests, cultural groups, recreational clubs, and service-oriented chapters. Athletics play a significant role, with the Hornets competing in NCAA Division II, providing opportunities for both athletes and enthusiastic fans. Campus events, such as concerts, guest lectures, and cultural festivals, are regularly scheduled, contributing to a vibrant social scene. The Memorial Union serves as a central hub for student activities, dining, and social gatherings. While Emporia is a smaller city, the university provides ample opportunities for social engagement, leadership development, and personal growth, creating a supportive and engaging atmosphere for its students.

Emporia State University is committed to making education accessible through various financial aid options. A significant percentage of students receive some form of financial assistance. Aid is typically distributed through federal and state grants, institutional scholarships, and student loans. For the 2022-2023 academic year, approximately 91% of full-time undergraduate students received financial aid. The average financial aid package awarded was around $8,500, with the average institutional grant and scholarship aid being approximately $4,000. Federal Pell Grants, which are need-based, are a significant source of aid for many students. ESU offers a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships through its Foundation, which students can apply for. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible to be considered for all eligible federal and state aid. The university's financial aid office provides resources and counseling to help students navigate the application process and understand their options, aiming to reduce the financial burden of higher education.

Graduates from Emporia State University can expect a median salary of approximately $47,601 ten years after graduation, based on available data. However, actual earnings can vary significantly depending on the chosen major and career path. For instance, graduates from the School of Business, particularly in fields like accounting or finance, often command starting salaries in the $50,000-$60,000 range, with potential for growth into six figures with experience and advancement. Education majors, while perhaps starting at a slightly lower salary range (around $40,000-$50,000), benefit from stable employment and consistent salary increases within school districts. Nursing and health sciences graduates are in high demand and typically see starting salaries in the $55,000-$65,000 range, with excellent prospects for advancement and specialization. Graduates from STEM fields like biology or chemistry might find entry-level research or lab technician roles starting in the $40,000-$55,000 range, with opportunities to pursue graduate degrees for higher earning potential. It's important to note that these figures represent median earnings and can be influenced by factors such as internships, networking, and postgraduate education.

Emporia State University offers a variety of on-campus housing options designed to accommodate its student population. The primary residential halls include Morse Hall, Schallenkamp Hall, and Tronser Hall, which typically house first-year students and offer a traditional dormitory experience. These halls provide furnished rooms, common areas for socializing and studying, and access to amenities like laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. Morse Hall is known for its community-style living, fostering interaction among residents. Schallenkamp Hall often features suite-style living with shared bathrooms among a small group of rooms. Tronser Hall provides a similar environment. For upperclassmen or students seeking different living arrangements, ESU also offers apartment-style housing, such as the University Village, which provides more independence with private bedrooms and full kitchens. All on-campus housing options are designed to be safe, convenient, and conducive to academic success, with resident assistants available to support students and build community. The university emphasizes creating a welcoming living environment that complements the academic experience.

Emporia State University provides a solid foundation for undergraduate research, particularly within its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. While it may not have the extensive research infrastructure of a large R1 university, ESU emphasizes faculty-mentored research opportunities for its students. Many departments, including Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Sociology, encourage students to participate in research projects alongside faculty members. These opportunities often culminate in presentations at undergraduate research symposia, regional conferences, or even national events. The university's commitment to undergraduate research is evident in its support for student involvement, providing access to laboratory equipment and resources. For students interested in pursuing graduate studies, engaging in research at ESU is invaluable, as it provides hands-on experience, develops critical thinking skills, and strengthens applications to competitive graduate programs. The smaller class sizes and accessible faculty make it easier for students to find research mentors and become actively involved in scholarly pursuits.

Emporia State University (ESU) is comparable to other regional public universities in Kansas and surrounding states, such as Pittsburg State University, Fort Hays State University, and the University of Central Missouri. These institutions generally offer similar tuition structures, particularly for in-state students, and cater to a similar student demographic seeking accessible higher education. In terms of academic offerings, ESU often shares strengths in areas like education, business, and liberal arts with its peers. However, ESU's median earnings ($47,601) are generally in line with or slightly lower than some of its peers, which might have slightly higher average graduate salaries due to different program strengths or industry connections. ESU's admission rate (97.7%) is high, similar to other regional publics, indicating accessibility. The graduation rate (55.2%) is also within the typical range for this tier of institution. ESU's key differentiator often lies in its specific program strengths, such as its well-regarded education college, and the unique, affordable cost of living in Emporia, which can offer a better overall value proposition than some competitors, especially for in-state students.

Employers generally hold a positive perception of graduates from Emporia State University, particularly within Kansas and the surrounding region. ESU has a long-standing reputation for producing well-prepared graduates, especially in fields like education, where its alumni are highly respected and frequently hired by school districts across the state. The university's emphasis on practical skills, critical thinking, and a strong work ethic, fostered through its accessible faculty and hands-on learning opportunities, is valued by employers. For business and nursing graduates, ESU's programs are seen as providing a solid foundation for entry-level roles. While ESU may not have the widespread national brand recognition of larger flagship universities, its graduates are known for their reliability and readiness to contribute. Employers who have hired ESU alumni often report satisfaction with their performance, adaptability, and commitment. The university's Career Services department also plays a role in building employer relationships, ensuring that graduates are well-positioned for the job market and that employers are aware of the talent ESU produces.