About
Emporia State University is a public institution situated in Emporia, Kansas. Established in 1863 as the Kansas State Normal School, it stands as the third-oldest public university in the state and functions as one of six public universities managed by the Kansas Board of Regents.
The institution provides more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and accommodates an enrollment of roughly 5,700 students. Recognized for its strong academic offerings, ESU receives particular acclaim for its business, nursing, and teacher education programs.
- Estimated total attendance expenses at Emporia State University:
- For undergraduate students,
- For graduate students,
International students face an acceptance rate of 85% at Emporia State University. The institution is unranked by the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education in their global assessments. Its highest placement appears in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges guide, where it holds the 75th position in the Regional Universities Midwest category.
Main Motivations for Choosing Emporia State University
- Academic distinction: ESU is a premier institution featuring highly regarded educational tracks. Providing over 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees, the university supports a student population of approximately 5,700. It is celebrated for its robust academic framework, especially in business, nursing, and teacher education.
- Compact class sizes: Maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, ESU ensures that learners receive substantial individual guidance from instructors, creating a wonderful environment for students to connect with professors and seek assistance.
- Practical learning: Prioritizing experiential education, ESU presents numerous chances for students to acquire direct field experience, allowing them to effectively connect classroom theory with real-world scenarios.
- Inclusion and diversity: ESU maintains an inclusive and diverse campus climate dedicated to fostering a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Enrolling scholars from around the globe, the university hosts diverse initiatives and events celebrating inclusion and diversity.
- Cost-effectiveness: ESU is a budget-friendly institution providing diverse financial assistance programs to support students with schooling costs. Tuition and fees average roughly $15,000 annually, though various financial aid options allow many attendees to graduate debt-free.
- Setting: Emporia is a compact community of about 25,000 residents located in east-central Kansas. Featuring multiple higher education institutions, the town is known for its scenic parks and natural appeal, alongside offering a secure and economical living environment.
- Campus life: Emporia State University hosts an array of student organizations and activities, including fraternities and sororities, intramural athletics, student government, and interest-based clubs. This provides a fantastic avenue for learners to engage with the campus community and build friendships.
Admissions
Average acceptance rate for bachelor programs
88%
Application fee
$85
Application Procedure at Emporia State University
International applicants follow the same general admission steps as domestic applicants. However, specific additional criteria apply depending on whether an individual is a fresh undergraduate, a transfer student, or a graduate candidate.
First-Year Undergraduate and Graduate International Admissions
- Application submission: Candidates can apply via the online application form available on the official university website.
- International applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $85.
- Mandatory credentials: Along with the application form, candidates are required to supply:
Transfer Undergraduate and Graduate International Admissions
- Application submission: Candidates can apply via the online application form found on the official university website.
- International applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $85.
- Mandatory credentials: Along with the application form, candidates are required to supply:
Required Documentation for Emporia State University Admissions
Undergraduate Students
- Submit the online application through the official university website
- Official transcripts from all previously attended high schools
- SAT or ACT test scores
- Scores from the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test
- Personal statement or written essay
- Two recommendation letters
- Financial proof documents
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Supplementary records:
Graduate, Ph.D., and Research Scholars
- Submit the online application through the official university website
- Official transcripts from all previously attended high schools or colleges
- GRE or GMAT test scores
- Scores from the Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test
- Personal statement
- Three recommendation letters
- Resume detailing relevant professional experience
- Supplementary records:
All paperwork must be written in English or accompanied by an official certified English translation
Accepted Examinations at Emporia State University
Undergraduate Students
- Admissions tests: SAT or ACT examination.
- English language assessments: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.
Graduate and Ph.D. Candidates
- Admissions tests: GRE or GMAT examination
- English language assessments: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.
Campus Life
Total number of university campuses: 1
Campus geographical location: Kansas
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Local transportation options
- Public bus network: The Lyon County Area Transportation (L-CAT) service operates routes throughout the town and neighboring regions. Fares cost $1.25 for a single ride or $25 for a monthly pass.
- Taxi services: Multiple cab companies operate in Emporia, such as Yellow Cab and United Cab, with typical rates around $2 per mile.
- Ride-sharing applications: Services like Uber and Lyft operate within Emporia, with pricing generally determined by travel distance and time of day.
- Bicycles: Emporia features a bicycle-friendly infrastructure with numerous trails and paths, alongside a municipal bike-sharing initiative.
- Walking: Emporia's downtown district is pedestrian-friendly, offering various parks and open green spaces to explore.
Services provided by the institution
- Academic advising: The ESU Advising Center offers academic guidance to all pupils, ranging from freshmen to graduate scholars. Advisors assist individuals in organizing their curriculum, selecting courses, and shaping their academic pathway.
- Financial aid: The ESU Financial Aid Office assists students with the monetary elements of their college education. The department helps learners apply for scholarships, grants, and loans, while also offering guidance on budgeting and financial planning.
- Student health services: The ESU Student Health Center delivers medical care to students, encompassing preventative treatment, consultations for illnesses, and psychological health care.
- Student activities: The ESU Student Activities Office organizes a diverse array of student pursuits, featuring clubs and associations, intramural sports, and cultural programs.
- Housing and dining: ESU provides several residential choices for learners, comprising traditional residence halls, apartments, and houses. The campus also supplies multiple dining alternatives, featuring a dining hall, a coffee shop, and a convenience store.
- Career services: The ESU Career Services Office aids students in mapping out their professional futures. The department delivers resume writing support, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.
- Disability services: The ESU Disability Services Office supports students with special needs. The center assists learners with note-taking support, examination adjustments, and accessible living arrangements.
Student life at Emporia State University
- Engage in student organizations: ESU features over 200 student organizations, ensuring there is something suited for everyone. You can participate in clubs and groups aligned with your passions, such as academics, hobbies, or social causes.
- Participate in intramural sports: ESU presents a selection of intramural sports so you can maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy yourself. Intramural athletics serve as an excellent method to meet new individuals and build friendships.
- Join cultural programs: ESU organizes diverse cultural activities throughout the academic year, including concerts, theatrical plays, and art exhibitions. These gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity to experience different cultures and have a good time.
- Visit the gym: ESU maintains a cutting-edge fitness center accessible to all students. The workout facility is equipped with a range of gear, featuring treadmills, ellipticals, resistance machines, and free weights.
- Relax at the Memorial Union: The Memorial Union serves as the focal point of campus life. It houses diverse eating establishments, a game room, a bowling alley, and a theater. The Memorial Union functions as a prime location to unwind and connect with peers.
- Discover downtown Emporia: Emporia is a delightful town with plenty to explore. It features boutiques, eateries, cafes, parks, and museums.
On-campus housing at Emporia State University
- Residence halls: ESU features six residence halls, each possessing its distinct character and facilities. Residence halls present living options, encompassing single, double, and suite-style rooms.
- Apartments: ESU additionally supplies apartments tailored for upper-level students. Apartments deliver enhanced privacy and room compared to residence halls, and certain units also include kitchenettes.
- Houses: ESU likewise maintains a limited selection of houses accessible to students. Houses provide the highest degree of privacy and space, making them a superb choice for individuals wishing to room with friends.
Housing Cost
The expense of living on campus fluctuates based on the selected accommodation type. Residence hall pricing spans from $2,200 to $2,800 per semester, apartments range from $3,000 to $3,600 per semester, and houses span from $4,000 to $4,800 per semester.
Faculty
University Faculty-Student Ratio
1:24
University Faculty Statistics
- Total faculty count: 237 full-time and 37 part-time faculty members
- Faculty-to-student ratio: 17:1
- Percentage of faculty holding a PhD or terminal degree: 75%
- Number of esteemed professors: 2 Fulbright Scholars and 1 Guggenheim Fellow
- Activities performed by faculty members: Deliver lectures, execute research, publish findings in scholarly journals, participate in committees, mentor learners, and engage in professional growth endeavors
Career Opportunities
University Endowments Value
79028761
Internship opportunities at Emporia State University
- Internships: ESU provides a wide array of internship possibilities for students across various disciplines. These internships can be compensated or uncompensated, and they may take place on or off campus.
- Part-time employment: ESU additionally presents numerous part-time job openings for students. These positions can be found across various campus departments, such as the library, the dining facility, and the bookstore.
Placement of Emporia State University
Employment Placement
Based on the Emporia State University website, the subsequent figures represent employment placement percentages for recent graduates:
- 66% of graduates secure employment within six months of completion.
- 80% of graduates secure employment within one year of completion.
- 90% of graduates secure employment within two years of completion.
Major Recruiting Companies
- Koch Industries
- Cessna Aircraft Company
- Greater Topeka Partnership
- Kansas Department of Education
- United States Department of Agriculture
- Sprint Corporation
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
- Westar Energy
- Textron Inc.
Compensation
The mean initial earnings for Emporia State University alumni is \$40,000 annually. Nonetheless, starting pay can differ depending on the area of study and the employing organization.
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Last updated August 14, 2026




