Census Shows 6% Undergraduate, 7% First-Time Undergraduate Gains Since Last Fall
For the second consecutive year, Emporia State University (ESU) leads all state universities in percentage enrollment growth, as revealed in the Kansas Board of Regents’ (KBOR) fall 2026 census. The report shows 5,110 students enrolled at ESU, a 6% year-over-year increase in total enrollment. ESU leaders attribute the enrollment gains to the university’s consistent efforts to invest in students, affordability and academic programs.
For a third consecutive year, ESU did not increase tuition for the 2026-27 academic year, the only Kansas public institution to do so. Additionally, ESU focuses on providing small class sizes with practical, hands-on learning that prepares students with real-world skills for career readiness.
“Emporia State University’s 2026 enrollment increases are a direct result of our staff and faculty’s commitment to offering the best higher education possible at an affordable price in a close-knit environment where students can thrive,” said ESU President Matt Baker. “Emporia State remains focused on building on this success while fostering and enhancing students’ experiences at ESU both in the classroom and across campus.”
Year-over-year enrollment growth by the numbers:
- Full-time undergraduate enrollment increased 6%
- 7% growth in first-time undergraduate student enrollment
- 9% increase in new undergraduate transfer students
- ESU saw significant enrollment growth in the following undergraduate programs:
- Elementary education: 19%
- Nursing and pre-nursing programs: 19%
- Health and human performance: 22%
- Applied criminology: 72%
Additionally, participation in Emporia State’s Jumpstart program for high school concurrent enrollment continues to grow. Its enrollment of 538 students contributed to the 6% overall increase. Completing college classes while in high school lets students reduce their overall cost of attendance – another way Emporia State is helping make higher education affordable for Kansas students and their families. About 25% of these students transition to full-time enrollment at ESU after high school graduation.
The latest enrollment growth follows a new ranking from U.S. News & World Report, which named ESU No. 9 on its list of Best Value Schools for In-State Students – Regional Universities (Midwest). ESU is the only school in Kansas on this list.