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Emporia State University

Introduction

Emporia State University is a fully accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificate and licensure programs to over 6.500 students. ESU is located in close proximity to three major metropolitan areas in Kansas, allowing students to network and build partnerships with their local communities. Residents from Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City can take advantage of the educational opportunities offered on campus and online.

ESU is known for its strong business program, extensive library, and information management program, as well as a well-rounded education in liberal arts and sciences.

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Information Summary

Ranks 4th in Kansas and 548th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about) 86.0
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance $20,088
Admission Success rate N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores 25 / 1178
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty 15 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time) 75% / 50%
Enrollment Total (all students) 5,796

History

Emporia State University, established in 1863, was the first school for teacher training in the state of Kansas. The first class enrolled consisted of 18 students who convened on the second floor of the district school house. After struggling to keep enrollment up due to drought issues, encounters with renegade buffalo hunters and revengeful Indians, and other obstacles, the University pulled through and managed to increase enrollment 19 years later under the leadership of Albert R. Taylor. Enrollment increased to 400 students. By 1889, ESU became the largest school in the state and the largest normal school in the country.

Over the course of time, the University has changed its name four times in response to growth and increased advantages it provides to students. Initially founded as the Kansas Normal School, it became known as Kansas State Teachers College in 1923, Emporia Kansas State College in 1974, and Emporia State University in 1977.

Today, ESU serves students from over 100 Kansas counties, 45 states, and 55 countries.

Academics

Emporia State University is made up of four different Colleges, offering a wide range of programs for students.

School of Business

The School of Business offers students degree programs both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students are able to earn undergraduate degrees in accounting, business administration, education, finance, information systems, management, and marketing. At the graduate level, students are able to earn a Master’s in Business Administration degree as well as a Master of Science degree in Business Education. The ESU School of Business strives to “prepare you for success and empower your career.”

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences prides itself of being the core of the university, central to the fulfillment of the mission of the larger university. They provide students with the basic foundation of higher education. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are able to study:

  • art
  • biological sciences
  • communication and theater arts
  • English, modern languages, and journalism
  • mathematics, computer science and economics
  • music
  • nursing
  • physcial sciences
  • social sciences
  • sociology, anthropology, and crime/delinquent studies

School of Library and Information Management

In 1902, the School of Library and Information Management (SLM) was founded to provide students with the opportunity to study library sciences. The School is accredited by the ALA or American Library Association. The School is recognized for a strong theory-based curriculum, providing students with an innovative way to learn, practice, and hone their skills. Students are also able to earn a Master of Library Science degree from SLM.

The Teacher’s College

The Teacher’s College is Emporia State University’s pride and joy. Having started as a first teacher’s training college in the state of Kansas, ESU has prepared thousands of teachers fort he workforce. Teachers, administrators, counselors, and school psychologists are able to benefit from the College’s solid programming. Licensure endorsement programs are available for educators who wish to enhance their certificates and expand their knowledge base.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Admissions

Emporia State University accepts students from all walks of life. Undergraduates and graduate students make up most of the student body. ESU also offers online and off-campus learning experiences for students as well. International students wishing to earn a degree or license can also attend ESU.

Admissions officials at ESU highly encourage prospective students to visit the campus for a comprehensive tour.

Incoming freshmen are required to pay a nominal fee, fill out the university’s application, send in their ACT or SAT scores, and submit their high school transcripts or GED scores as well as transcripts from any colleges they may have taken classes at during their high school years. Similarly, transfer students are required to pay a nominal fee, fill out the university’s application, and submit their official college transcripts.

Financial Aid

Students wishing to attend ESU may apply for financial aid by filling in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. A variety of assistance is available for students. Grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs are available for all students. Generally, the amount of aid awarded is dependent on need, academics, or athletic ability.

Although the deadline for applying for aid is February 15th, it is important for prospective students to apply earlier for their best chances at getting the assistance they need. Some programs have limited funding and aid may run out.

Students may also wish to apply for state scholarships from the Kansas Board of Regents. Their application deadline is on May 1.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 4362nd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Kansas.

Students

Housing

Students at Emporia State University have the option of living on campus. ESU has both residence halls and apartments for students.

The Morse Complex, consisting of Abigail, Central, and Northeast Halls, are generally filled with with upperclassmen and transfer study students. Singles, doubles, and triples are available for students. Common areas can also be found in the halls, including community kitchens, sand volleyball, pool, air hockey and foosball tables, lounges on each floor, and laundry facilities.

The Towers Complex, made up of Singular, Trusler, North, and South Towers are generally occupied by freshmen. Singles, doubles, and suites (two bedrooms adjoining an unfurnished living room for four students) are the available configurations. Students living in the towers also enjoy recreational activities such as ping pong, pool, and foosball. Cable TV and wireless internet are accessible in both the bedrooms and lounges.

ESU provides upperclassmen with opportunities to live in apartments if they choose to have more privacy. Unfurnished apartments include full kitchens, an outdoor grilling area, and on-site laundry facilities. One and two bedroom apartments are available to students.

Academic Advising

Freshmen and/or undeclared students at ESU may take advantage of the Student Advising Center. Staff members are standing by to offer any support to students struggling with the college transition. Counselors help students discover and clarify their interests, skills, and values. They also assist with course selection and connect students with real world opportunities and campus resources.

Greek Life

Some students at ESU choose to join Greek life and become a part of the fraternities and sororities on campus. Fraternities at Emporia include Alpha Kappa Lambda, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Sigma Pi. Sororities on campus include Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Sigma Tau, Chi Omega, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and Sigma Gamma Rho. Students who choose to join Greek Life strive to develop leadership stills needed beyond college.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The Emporia State University Hornets compete in the NCAA Division II Conference. Men at ESU may participate in competitive baseball, basketball, cross country, football, tennis, and track. Women have the option of competing in basketball, cross country, softball, soccer, tennis, cross country, and volleyball.

Students may also elect to play intramural sports organized by student groups and residence hall advisers and residents.

Bibliography

  • Emporia State University. Emporia State University. n.d. Web. 6 August, 2011.
  • Fiske, Edward. Fiske Guide to Colleges, 27th Edition. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc, 2011. Print.
  • Top Kansas Teaching Schools. Education Database Online. n.d. Web. 6 August, 2011.

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