Pitt State vs Emporia State

Pittsburg State University and Emporia State University, both esteemed public universities in Kansas, offer distinct educational experiences. Pittsburg State boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. Emporia State, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong commitment to student success. While Pittsburg State excels in fields like Business, Education, and Engineering, Emporia State shines in programs such as Nursing, Social Work, and Education. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including student body demographics, tuition fees, and available scholarships, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Emporia State University	Pittsburg State University
Overview
Location	Emporia, Kansas	Pittsburg, Kansas
Campus setting	Town: Remote	Town: Distant
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	74.0%	75.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.4%	93.6%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $50	$35
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	17 - 24
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score		88.0%
Total number of applicants	1,419	2,216
Total number of admissions given out	1,254	2,075
Admitted students who chose to enroll	481	812
Yield rate	38.4%	39.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $21,413 Out of state: $29,330	In state: $21,454 Out of state: $32,798
Average net price	$14,564	$14,748
Tuition	In state: $5,278 Out of state: $13,195	In state: $5,836 Out of state: $17,180
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,100 Meal plan: $3,852	$8,196
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	90.0% Average amount $5,147	93.0% Average amount $4,551
Students receiving federal student loan	72.0% Average amount $5,327	50.0% Average amount $5,991
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $9,499	6.0% Average amount $9,978

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,948 Men 35.1% Women 64.9%	4,560 Men 49.6% Women 50.4%
Graduate students	2,667 Men 29.4% Women 70.6%	1,457 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	8.1%	N/A
International students	4.8%	3.3%
Campus local/setting	Town: Remote	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	892	1,300
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Kansas Oklahoma Missouri Texas Nebraska	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Business Library Science Health Professions Psychology	Education Business Engineering Technologies Health Professions Psychology
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	49.9%	52.3%
Dropout rate	36.4%	45.5%
Transferred out	11.3%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,583 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $75,736 Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,717 Year 2: $59,485 Year 3: $61,686 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,925 Year 2: $52,889 Year 3: $55,796 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $50,882 Year 2: $50,439 Year 3: $53,869 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,077 Year 2: $41,565 Year 3: $52,702 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,816 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $52,626 Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $51,180 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $49,818 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,389 Year 2: $42,235 Year 3: $49,202 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,521 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $49,001 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,868 Year 2: $45,435 Year 3: $48,342	Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,047 Year 2: $66,941 Year 3: $72,166 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,333 Year 2: $60,452 Year 3: $70,877 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,470 Year 2: $51,273 Year 3: $59,709 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,234 Year 2: $54,586 Year 3: $57,260 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $51,359 Year 2: $45,852 Year 3: $51,599 Computer Systems Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,945 Year 2: $45,383 Year 3: $50,222 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,339 Year 2: $48,432 Year 3: $48,548 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,063 Year 2: $43,798 Year 3: $48,544 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,111 Year 2: $38,721 Year 3: $45,946 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,021 Year 2: $40,728 Year 3: $45,198

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Pittsburg State University (PSU) and Emporia State University (ESU)?

Pittsburg State University (PSU) is known for its strong emphasis on applied technology, engineering technology, and career-focused programs. Emporia State University (ESU) has a long-standing reputation for teacher education and liberal arts programs. PSU tends to have a more technical and hands-on approach, while ESU focuses on a broader liberal arts foundation, particularly in education.
Which university is better known for its teacher education program: PSU or ESU?

Emporia State University (ESU) is widely recognized for its exceptional teacher education program. It has a long and distinguished history in preparing educators, and its Teachers College is highly regarded. While Pittsburg State University (PSU) also offers teacher education, ESU's program has a stronger and more established reputation.
How do the campus environments compare between Pittsburg State and Emporia State?

Pittsburg State University (PSU) has a more industrial and technologically focused campus feel, reflecting its emphasis on applied sciences and engineering. Emporia State University (ESU) offers a more traditional, liberal arts campus environment with a focus on community and a strong sense of history. Both campuses are considered welcoming and student-friendly, but their atmospheres differ based on their academic strengths.
Which university offers a wider range of engineering and technology programs?

Pittsburg State University (PSU) offers a broader and more specialized range of engineering and technology programs compared to Emporia State University (ESU). PSU has a strong focus on these fields, with dedicated departments and state-of-the-art facilities. ESU offers some technology-related programs, but its emphasis is not as pronounced as PSU's.
How do the tuition costs compare between Pittsburg State University and Emporia State University?

Generally, tuition costs at Pittsburg State University (PSU) and Emporia State University (ESU) are comparable, especially for in-state students. However, it's essential to check the most current tuition rates on each university's official website, as they can change. Also, consider program-specific fees, as engineering programs at PSU might have additional costs.
What are the athletic programs like at PSU and ESU?

Both Pittsburg State University (PSU) and Emporia State University (ESU) have strong athletic programs and compete in the NCAA Division II Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). PSU is known for its successful football program, while ESU has a strong tradition in basketball and track and field. Both universities offer a variety of sports for men and women, providing ample opportunities for student-athletes.
Which university is located in a larger city?

While neither Pittsburg nor Emporia are large metropolitan areas, Pittsburg, Kansas, where Pittsburg State University (PSU) is located, has a slightly larger population than Emporia, Kansas, where Emporia State University (ESU) is located. However, both cities offer a small-town atmosphere with access to essential amenities and services.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at PSU and ESU?

Both Pittsburg State University (PSU) and Emporia State University (ESU) offer a vibrant student life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities. PSU has a strong Greek life presence and numerous student organizations related to technology and engineering. ESU also has a diverse range of clubs and organizations, with a particular emphasis on education-related groups and community service. Both universities host campus events, concerts, and athletic competitions to engage students.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between PSU and ESU?

Both Pittsburg State University (PSU) and Emporia State University (ESU) offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview skills. PSU's career services are particularly strong in connecting students with internships and job opportunities in the technology and engineering sectors. ESU's career services focus on placing graduates in education and related fields. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can provide valuable career connections.
Which university is a better fit for someone interested in a career in education administration?

While both universities offer programs that could lead to a career in education administration, Emporia State University (ESU) is generally considered a stronger choice due to its long-standing reputation and specialized programs in education. ESU's Teachers College provides a comprehensive foundation and advanced training in educational leadership and administration.

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