Emporia State University Enters Third Consecutive Year Without Tuition Increase
ESU Continues Commitment to Students as the Only Kansas Institution to Maintain 2026-2027 Tuition Rates
Emporia, KS (05/20/2026) — Today, Emporia State leaders told the Kansas Board of Regents the university wants to hold its tuition for 2026-27 at its current rate for a third consecutive academic year. The university stands as the only public institution in the state to propose maintaining current tuition levels for the upcoming academic year.
By prioritizing efficiency and internal reallocations for needed programs, Emporia State has maintained flat tuition since the 2023-24 academic year, remaining Kansas' premier cost-effective institution.
"We are able to keep costs flat for students thanks to a landmark year of financial success and increased enrollment," said Matt Baker, president of ESU. "We pride ourselves on transforming higher education by delivering affordable, student-centered, hands-on experiences that equip Hornets for lifelong success, and our proposal is a testament to that commitment."
ESU will continue to prioritize generating revenue through increased enrollment to support funding for operations, institutional enhancements and investments in academic programs and student experiences.
Approval of tuition rates for 2026-27 will be an action item during the Kansas Board of Regents meeting in June.
This financial win for students represents one of several recent significant milestones for ESU. It follows a period of rapid growth in 2026, during which ESU saw a 6% increase in enrollment, the largest percentage jump among KBOR state institutions. Additionally, this announcement follows ESU's recent $30 million financial realignment, a move that successfully erased a $19 million budget deficit.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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