Emporia State University (ESU) is a public university in Emporia, Kansas, ranked #78 in the 2026 US News Regional Universities Midwest category (US News’ ranking of teaching-focused universities across 12 Midwestern states). Founded in 1863, the university sits about 175 km southwest of Kansas City and enrolls a mid-sized student body across four schools.
Emporia State University offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programmes taught in English, with the AACSB-accredited School of Business, the AASA-accredited School of Library and Information Management, and Teachers College driving Indian applicant volume. Popular postgraduate choices for Indian students include the Master of Business Administration, MS in Informatics, MS in Library Science and MAcc in Accountancy. Two intakes serve international applicants each year: Fall (August) and Spring (January). ESU is an F-1 designated school, and STEM-designated master’s programmes carry 36 months of OPT eligibility.
- US News Regional (Midwest) rank: #78 (2026); #27 in Top Public Schools
- Acceptance rate: 85% (estimated) for international applicants
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January) with rolling review
- Annual PG tuition and fees (non-resident): USD 14,650 (INR 13.84 lakh)
- Average starting salary (US grad): USD 55,000 (INR 51.98 lakh) as per NACE median for regional public universities
Also Check: MS universities in USA
Emporia State University held its tuition flat for the third consecutive year in 2026-27, keeping non-resident PG tuition and fees at USD 14,650 (INR 13.84 lakh) per year. Indian applicants can access the Partnership/Diversity Award that reduces PG tuition and fees to USD 9,575 (INR 9.05 lakh) per year. Post-study work runs 12 months of OPT for non-STEM graduates and 36 months for STEM, and living costs in Emporia sit 14.6% below the US average.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). Emporia State University runs rolling admissions with no fixed close date. The university recommends Spring 2027 applications by 1 November 2026 for full consideration. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, opens on a rolling basis and the university recommends applying by 1 June 2026 through 1 March 2027 with no fixed close date.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Emporia State University 2027
- Emporia State University Admission 2027
- Emporia State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Emporia State University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Emporia State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Emporia State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Emporia State University Scholarships 2027
- Emporia State University Rankings 2027
- Emporia State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Emporia State University vs Peer Universities
- Emporia State University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Emporia State University 2027
Emporia State University charges PG programmes at a non-resident tuition and fees rate of USD 14,650 (INR 13.84 lakh) per academic year for full-time enrolment. Most master’s programmes run 30 to 51 credit hours across one to two years. Per-credit non-resident PG billing is USD 716 (INR 67,662), so total programme cost scales with credit load; the Partnership/Diversity Award drops the annual rate to USD 9,575 (INR 9.05 lakh).
| Program (2 years unless noted) | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement (Indian scale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 29,300 | 27.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MBA (Accelerated Online, 1 year) | 14,650 | 13.84 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS in Informatics (MSIT) | 29,300 | 27.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MSIT-MBA Dual Degree (51 credit hours) | 36,516 | 34.51 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS in Forensic Science | 29,300 | 27.7 lakh | Bachelor’s in Science with 60% (recommended) |
| MS in Library Science | 29,300 | 27.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MAcc in Accountancy (1 year, 30 credits) | 21,480 | 20.30 lakh | Bachelor’s in Commerce/Accounting with 55% (recommended) |
| MS in Rehabilitation Counseling | 29,300 | 27.7 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MMus in Music Education | 29,300 | 27.7 lakh | Bachelor’s in Music with 55% (recommended) |
| MS in Special Education | 29,300 | 27.7 lakh | Bachelor’s in Education with 55% (recommended) |
Undergraduate international programmes run four years at USD 15,675 (INR 14.81 lakh) tuition and fees per year, or USD 62,700 (INR 59.25 lakh) total across the degree; the Partnership/Diversity Award reduces this to USD 10,125 (INR 9.57 lakh) per year.
| Program (4 years) | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement (Indian scale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBA in Business Administration | 62,700 | 59.25 lakh | Class 12 with 60% to 75% (recommended) |
| BSN in Nursing | 62,700 | 59.25 lakh | Class 12 with 70% including PCB (recommended) |
| BSE in Elementary Education | 62,700 | 59.25 lakh | Class 12 with 60% (recommended) |
| BS in Biology | 62,700 | 59.25 lakh | Class 12 with 65% including Biology (recommended) |
| BA in Psychology | 62,700 | 59.25 lakh | Class 12 with 60% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian students cluster in the AACSB-accredited MBA and MSIT dual degree because both qualify for the STEM OPT extension when concentrations align with information systems, giving 36 months of post-study work rather than 12.
Read More: Emporia State University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Emporia State University Admission 2027
Emporia State University uses rolling admissions with two intakes per year for Indian applicants: Fall (August) and Spring (January). The Graduate School releases decisions three to four weeks after a complete application arrives, and international students must show proof of funds covering two semesters before an I-20 is issued.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 recommended application deadline | 1 November 2026 | Rolling; earlier submission secures a visa slot |
| Fall 2027 recommended application deadline | 1 March 2027 (early) to 1 June 2027 (final) | Recommended dates; no fixed close |
| Credential verification (WES or NACES member) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Required before enrolment for Graduate School |
| Financial guarantee and I-20 issuance | Within 2 weeks of admission | Show funds for two semesters |
| Programme start | January 2027 (Spring) / August 2027 (Fall) | Orientation the week prior |
Planning note: Book the F-1 visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate the week the I-20 arrives, since Kansas-bound applicants get processing through Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata posts, and Fall slots fill by late June.
Read More: Emporia State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Emporia State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants must clear academic, English proficiency and financial thresholds published by the Office of International Education.
- Bachelor’s degree: Recognised three or four-year bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) for most master’s; STEM and business programmes prefer 60% or CGPA 6.0/10
- English proficiency (PG): TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 53 or Duolingo English Test 110 for direct admission; scores 79 to 89 on TOEFL admit conditionally with the IE075 language course
- English proficiency (UG): TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 6.0, PTE 49 or Duolingo 95
- Credential evaluation: Course-by-course transcript evaluation from a NACES member such as WES or ECE, submitted directly to the Graduate School
- Financial guarantee: Bank statement showing funds for two semesters of study
Class 12 applicants for undergraduate admission need a cumulative 65% to 75% (recommended) with English as a subject; SAT and ACT are optional but unlock merit scholarships.
Key insight: Applicants scoring TOEFL 79 to 89 or PTE 49 to 52 do not need to retest before admission because ESU admits them conditionally with a mandatory language course in Semester 1, unlike most US publics that require a full retest.
Emporia State University Acceptance Rate 2027
Emporia State University reports an overall acceptance rate of 85% (estimated) for the 2026 admission cycle, one of the more accessible rates among US public universities and slightly higher than the national public-university average of 68%. The figure covers domestic and international admissions combined; ESU does not publish a separate international acceptance rate.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 admissions | 85% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2025 admissions | 87% (estimated) | Stable |
The high admission rate reflects ESU’s regional access mission rather than low academic standards. Programme-level admission is more selective: Clinical Psychology, School of Business and Nursing hold higher GPA thresholds and cap seats.
Reality check: A high headline acceptance rate at Emporia State University does not exempt Indian applicants from meeting English test minimums, so a TOEFL below 79 or IELTS below 6.0 will still trigger a conditional or denied decision at the PG level.
Read More: Emporia State University Acceptance Rate
Emporia State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost of attendance at Emporia State University for an Indian PG student ranges from USD 25,150 to USD 28,625 (INR 23.77 to 27.05 lakh) depending on programme level, covering tuition, fees, living expenses, books and insurance.
Emporia State University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
The Kansas Board of Regents approved a third consecutive year of flat tuition for 2026-27. International students are charged the non-resident rate unless awarded the Partnership/Diversity tier.
| Level | Annual Tuition and Fees (USD) | Annual Tuition and Fees (INR lakh) | Per Credit Hour (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UG Non-Resident | 15,675 | 14.81 lakh | 522 |
| UG Partnership/Diversity Award | 10,125 | 9.57 lakh | 337 |
| PG Non-Resident | 14,650 | 13.84 lakh | 716 |
| PG Partnership/Diversity Award | 9,575 | 9.05 lakh | 319 |
[Source: Emporia State University Office of International Education]
Monthly Cost of Living in Emporia for Indian Students
Emporia sits 14.6% below the US average cost of living. The university’s official annual living-expense estimate is USD 9,950 (INR 9.40 lakh) for UG students and USD 7,500 (INR 7.09 lakh) for PG students, translated into monthly figures below.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus or shared apartment) | 380 | 35,910 |
| Food and groceries | 280 | 26,460 |
| Transportation | 90 | 8,505 |
| Books and supplies | 110 | 10,395 |
| Personal and insurance | 170 | 16,065 |
| Total monthly (PG estimate) | 1,030 | 97,335 |
| Total annual (PG estimate) | 12,500 | 11.81 lakh |
[Source: Emporia State University official cost estimate]
Insider note: Off-campus rent in Emporia for a shared two-bedroom apartment sits at USD 300 to USD 450 (INR 28,350 to INR 42,525) per month, well below Kansas City rates, so Indian students who arrive by Fall can secure leases before local demand peaks.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Emporia State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The Emporia State University campus spreads across 207 acres in Emporia, Kansas, a college town of 25,000 residents 100 km southwest of Topeka and 175 km southwest of Kansas City.
- Location and transport: Amtrak and Greyhound serve Emporia; Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is a two-hour drive and the closest international entry
- Housing: On-campus residence halls guarantee first-year international students a room; monthly costs range USD 380 to USD 620 (INR 35,910 to INR 58,590)
- Facilities: The William Allen White Library holds 550,000 volumes; the Memorial Union hosts the international student lounge and Corky’s food court
- Indian student community: The Indian Students Association runs Diwali, Holi and Republic Day events, and the Office of International Education hosts a dedicated Indian orientation before each intake
What Indian students say: Emporia’s small-town setting keeps rent, groceries and personal costs materially lower than metros like Kansas City. Graduate assistantships often cover tuition plus a stipend, so students recommend applying to departments early to secure funded seats.
Emporia State University Scholarships 2027
Emporia State University confirms five scholarship pathways for international students, three of which apply directly to Indian applicants without a separate nomination.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Merit | USD 9,500 to 20,000 per year (INR 8.98 to 18.90 lakh) | Freshman applicants with strong SAT and GPA | Verify at official page |
| Corky Merit Scholarship | Merit | USD 1,000 to 4,500 per year (INR 94,500 to INR 4.25 lakh) | Academic performance | Verify at official page |
| International Ambassador Scholarship | Merit-leadership | USD 400 per semester (INR 37,800) | Incoming international students with leadership record | Verify at official page |
| Partnership/Diversity Award | Institutional | Reduces PG tuition to USD 9,575 (INR 9.05 lakh) per year | Admitted international students | Automatic with admission |
| Graduate Assistantship | Assistantship | Full tuition waiver plus stipend | Admitted PG applicants; department nomination | Apply with admission |
[Source: Emporia State University Office of International Education]
Planning note: Graduate Assistantships close early. Indian PG applicants should email the department chair with a CV within one week of receiving the admission decision, since departmental funding is allocated on a first-nominated basis rather than post-enrolment.
Read More: Emporia State University Scholarships Guide
Emporia State University Rankings 2027
Emporia State University ranks strongest with US News Best Colleges. The university is not ranked in QS, THE or ARWU world tables, which is typical for US regional universities whose research output is smaller than doctoral-research institutions.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Universities Midwest | 2026: #78 | 2025: verify at usnews.com | 2024: verify at usnews.com |
| US News Top Public Schools (Midwest) | 2026: #27 | 2025: verify at usnews.com | 2024: verify at usnews.com |
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World University Rankings | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| ARWU Shanghai | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
[Source: US News Best Colleges]
The AACSB accreditation carried by the School of Business is held by fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide, and the School of Library and Information Management holds AASA accreditation, both of which are more relevant to Indian applicants than global rank because employers and Indian degree-equivalency bodies recognise these credentials.
Key insight: Since Emporia State University sits outside QS and THE tables, Indian applicants using post-study visa pathways that require a top-500 ranked institution should choose a peer with QS listing. However, US F-1 visas and EAD-based OPT do not require ranked status, so ESU graduates retain full 12-month and 36-month OPT eligibility.
Read More: Emporia State University Rankings Analysis
Emporia State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Emporia State University graduates enter the Kansas and Midwest job markets, with the School of Business and Teachers College driving the strongest placement volumes among Indian PG students.
- Employment within 6 months (all programmes): 82% (as per ESU Career Services graduate outcomes)
- Median starting salary (US graduate): USD 55,000 (INR 51.98 lakh) — NACE 2025 median for regional public universities
- MBA median starting salary: USD 62,000 to 75,000 (INR 58.59 to 70.88 lakh) — regional business school market median
- Top recruiter sectors: K-12 education, healthcare, financial services, technology consulting and Kansas state government
- Careers support: ESU Career Services runs the Handshake portal, resume clinics and F-1 OPT workshops; STEM-designated master’s graduates receive 36 months of OPT, non-STEM programmes receive 12 months
Insider note: Indian STEM MSIT and MBA-Information Systems graduates typically start on H-1B cap-eligible offers with Midwest employers such as Cerner (Oracle Health), Garmin and Textron Aviation, and the STEM extension keeps them H-1B lottery-eligible across three cycles.
Emporia State University vs Peer Universities
Indian applicants compare Emporia State University against other AACSB-accredited public regional universities in the Midwest that draw international enrolment on similar tuition budgets.
| University | US News Regional Rank 2026 | Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia State University | #78 (Midwest) | 13.84 lakh | AACSB business school; lowest cost of living among peer set |
| Pittsburg State University (KS) | #101 (Midwest) | 14.10 lakh (estimated) | Strong engineering technology programmes |
| Fort Hays State University (KS) | #85 (Midwest) | 12.50 lakh (estimated) | Highest online enrolment among Kansas Regents universities |
| Wichita State University (KS) | National University #299 | 18.20 lakh (estimated) | Aerospace engineering research and R2 doctoral status |
| Missouri State University | #48 (Midwest) | 15.90 lakh (estimated) | Larger campus and MBA cohort |
Emporia State University stands out for its AACSB-accredited business school paired with the Midwest’s lowest cost of living. The Partnership/Diversity Award and Graduate Assistantship pathway also reduce annual PG spend below the Kansas peer benchmark.
Emporia State University suits Indian PG applicants seeking an AACSB-accredited MBA or STEM-designated MSIT at a total two-year investment of INR 27.7 lakh in tuition, offset by graduate assistantships worth full tuition plus stipend. Post-study, a median starting salary of INR 51.98 lakh and 36 months of STEM OPT deliver an F-1 to H-1B pipeline that pays back the investment within three years for STEM cohorts.
Emporia State University is not the right fit for Indian applicants seeking a top-500 global rank for visa or scholarship eligibility, or those aiming at doctoral-research institutions with heavy publication output. Wichita State University, which holds R2 status and a national US News rank, is a stronger alternative for research-track Indian PG applicants.
Emporia State University FAQs
Ques. What English test waivers does Emporia State University accept for Indian applicants?
Ans. Emporia State University waives the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or DET requirement for Indian applicants whose bachelor’s degree was taught entirely in English, verified by a letter from the Registrar of the awarding Indian university. The letter must state medium of instruction as English across all three or four years. Applicants without this document must submit valid test scores.
Ques. Can Indian ESU students work part-time on and off campus?
Ans. Indian F-1 students at Emporia State University can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and 40 hours per week during breaks. Off-campus work needs Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after one academic year, requiring departmental approval and a linked internship offer. On-campus jobs pay USD 9 to 14 per hour (INR 851 to 1,323).
Ques. Does ESU require GRE or GMAT for Indian PG applicants?
Ans. Emporia State University does not require GRE or GMAT for most master’s programmes, including the MBA, MSIT and MS in Library Science. Clinical Psychology and select doctoral programmes may request GRE. Applicants without test scores who submit a strong bachelor’s transcript with CGPA 6.0/10 or above are considered on academic merit alone.
Ques. How much financial proof must Indian applicants show for the ESU I-20?
Ans. Emporia State University requires proof of funds covering two semesters of study. For non-resident PG applicants, this is USD 12,575 (INR 11.88 lakh) minimum, and for UG applicants USD 14,312 (INR 13.53 lakh). Acceptable documents include a bank statement, education loan sanction letter or an affidavit from a sponsor with matching bank balance.
Ques. Which Indian banks and lenders finance loans for Emporia State University?
Ans. Emporia State University is recognised by SBI, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, Prodigy Finance and MPOWER Financing for education loan disbursement. Loans typically cover tuition, living costs and airfare. Rates for secured loans start at 8.75% p.a. and unsecured NBFC rates from 10.5% p.a. as per lender websites in September 2026.
Ques. What is the application fee at Emporia State University?
Ans. The application fee at Emporia State University is USD 60 (INR 5,670) for international undergraduate applicants and USD 85 (INR 8,033) for international graduate applicants. The fee is non-refundable and payable by credit card during online submission. There is no institutional fee waiver for Indian applicants, though partner-agency applications may waive the charge.
Ques. Does Emporia State University offer dependent F-2 visas for spouses?
Ans. Yes, Emporia State University issues F-2 dependent I-20s for spouses and children under 21 of the primary F-1 student. Indian applicants must show additional financial proof of USD 5,000 (INR 4.73 lakh) per dependent per year. F-2 spouses cannot work in the US but can enrol in part-time study; children can attend K-12 schools without a change of status.
Ques. How does the ESU credential evaluation process work for Indian degrees?
Ans. Indian applicants must have a course-by-course transcript evaluation from a NACES member such as WES, ECE or Educational Perspectives before enrolment. The evaluator converts Indian percentages and CGPAs to the US 4.0 GPA scale and confirms degree equivalency. Cost is USD 200 to 250 (INR 18,900 to 23,625), and processing runs three to six weeks.
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Emporia State University Reviews
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1 Reviews Found
Overview
It's affordable, not too far from home and has a really good program for what I wanted to major in. Everyone I know who goes here didn't need loans and were able to get good jobs on graduation. They don't force dorm living either.
Fees
Our fees actually went down this year. They keep a close eye on their budgets and even rollover fees to help reduce the cost to students. Most expensive supplies required for courses are provided by the school.
Emporia State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based |
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Emporia State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.emporia.edu/admissions/apply
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Emporia State University Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Proficiency | ||||
| TOEFL | - | 89 | - | - |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Reading | - | 20 | - | - |
| Writing | - | 20 | - | - |
| Listening | - | 20 | - | - |
| Speaking | - | 20 | - | - |
| PTE | - | 51 | - | - |
| IELTS | - | 6 | - | - |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Reading | - | 5.5 | - | - |
| Writing | - | 5.5 | - | - |
| Listening | - | 5.5 | - | - |
| Speaking | - | 5.5 | - | - |
| Undergraduate | ||||
| ACT | 22 | 19 | 25 | 92 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| English | 22 | 18 | 25 | - |
| Mathematics | 22 | 18 | 25 | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Emporia State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3607 | 3140 | 467 | 162 |


















Comments
Found 3 Comments
I took Duolingo, but there are no options for the Duolingo English test. Can I talk with the admissions officer?
On its website, Emporia State University (ESU) doesn't list the Duolingo English Test as an accepted English language proficiency test. However, you can explore the ESU courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.
Goodday sir/ma Trust your day is going fine, please I want to know if Ms admission process is still going on in your school.
Emporia State University offers various programs. However, you can explore the ESU courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.
The details of Emporia State University MBA are given below:
English language proof required such as IELTS and TOEFL but not Duolingo