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Relief for Students: Emporia State University Freezes Room & Board Rates for 2026-27

by Gwendolynne Larson

Emporia, KS (11/19/2025) — Emporia State has chosen to be the only Kansas Regent university that will not raise rates for both residence halls and meal plans for the 2026-27 academic year.

The Kansas Board of Regents got its first look at proposed residence hall and contract board rates from its universities during its Nov. 19 monthly meeting. The proposals will be voted on at the KBOR December meeting.

"Our first priority is STUDENTS-STUDENTS-STUDENTS," reiterated ESU President and CEO Ken Hush. "This decision is one more way that we provide affordability and accessibility for our students as they pursue their goals. We continue to seek out innovations that will eventually make Emporia State the most economical public university in the Kansas Regents system."

Under Emporia State's proposal:

  • Rates for all rooms in the Towers/Trusler/Singular complex remain the same as 2025-26, the current academic year.
  • Rates for all rooms in Abigail Morse and Schallenkamp will be less than the current year, a decrease of 7% to 10% depending on the room.
  • Meal plan rates remain at the current 2025-26 prices.

"One change we proposed is simplifying the room rate options," explained Angela Wolgram, ESU executive vice president for finance. "Rather than different rates based on the building, we want a clearer, more streamlined structure for students."

She noted that meal plan costs known as "contract board rates" typically rise each year with the CPI-U "food away from home" index. For 2026-27, however, ESU will not pass these increased food costs to students.

Much like ESU's commitment to consistent tuition and keeping KBOR's No. 1 goal of access and affordability at the forefront, the university continues to operate efficiently to avoid placing additional financial burdens on students. This marks the third consecutive year that ESU has kept room rates flat.

"Our goal is to ensure students and their families receive the best value for their investment," said Kayla Smith-Landgren, director of ESU Residential Life, adding that living on campus is one of the strongest predictors of student success. "We are dedicated to providing an affordable, high-quality experience for our students."

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & 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.

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Schallenkamp Hall on the Emporia State University campus is ready for new and returning residents in August 2025 during the annual move-in days.

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