Emporia State University

School Overview

Emporia State University is located in Emporia, KS, 66801. The university is ranked #78 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Emporia State University has an acceptance rate of 98%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present ACT scores of 18-24. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.5.

With just 2,396 undergraduates, Emporia State University provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 41%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Emporia State University include Education (28% of students, median early-career salary: $47,669), Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (6% of students, median early-career salary: $44,658), and Biological and Biomedical Sciences (5% of students, median early-career salary: $52,913). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $10,950. However, the average net price after financial aid is $14,750, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $11,889 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Emporia State University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Emporia State University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Emporia State University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.