Emporia State University's Transformation Plan Yields Substantial Enrollment Growth

Census Shows 8% Undergraduate, 30% First-Time Undergraduate Enrollment Growth

Emporia, KS (10/01/2025) — ESU's Year of Celebration kicked off with sharp enrollment growth, as revealed in the Kansas Board of Regents' (KBOR) fall 2025 census, which reported 4,820 students enrolled, resulting in a 6% overall enrollment increase year-over-year for Emporia State, the highest percent increase of all KBOR state universities.

Today's enrollment results are an outcome of collective efforts over the past three years. ESU rightsized its organization and programs, corrected its financial course and eliminated deficits while investing millions into academic programs, people and infrastructure. Emporia State has lowered the cost of attendance by holding tuition flat, removing unnecessary fees, increasing student minimum wage and employment opportunities and providing record levels of scholarships.

"This fall's headcount is well above the enrollment projections we communicated three years ago and is a product of the university's three-year investment-based transformation plan, which drove strategic improvements in ESU's academic programs, financial performance, community impact, student recruitment and retention as well as affordability," said President + CEO of Emporia State, Ken Hush.

Emporia State University undergraduate enrollment increased 8% year-over-year including an impressive increase of 30% for first-time undergraduate student enrollment and a 7% increase in new undergraduate transfer students. Gains continue across the board as new first-time graduate student enrollment increased 81%. This report comes as the university is experiencing its highest student participation rates in student life activities in 15 years, up 70% year-over-year.

The university also reported a 5% increase in on-campus students including a 23% increase in students living in the residence halls. Additionally, we saw significant enrollment growth in our teaching + nursing strike zone programs: The Teachers College increased by 11% overall, including a 33% increase in undergraduate elementary education; pre-nursing grew by 25%.

"Thank you to the campus and community for rallying together. It's our teamwork that is boosting enrollment and propelling us forward," said Dr. Taylor "TK" Kriley, Executive Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success. "Since 2022, we've been attacking the cost of higher education and investing in strike zone programs to ensure we are best serving students, the system, and the state of Kansas."

The latest enrollment growth comes on the heels of ESU's Year of Celebration announcement in July. The initiative recognizes the collective efforts of employees, the ESU Foundation, students, alumni, community members and state government leaders for their contributions to the university's recent success. This includes a $30M financial correction, which eliminated a $19M budget deficit.