Emporia State University (ESU)

Emporia State University is a mid-sized public university in Emporia, Kansas "with a friendly and professional atmosphere geared towards the advancement of the student into a professional career." It has four colleges and schools, including the notable School of Business and the Teachers College. The cheap price tag and modern technology throughout the classrooms are just two of the many benefits of attending ESU; the library services and staff also "go out of their way to help distance students succeed." Local employers "recognize the school's name and it carries a measure of influence," and students "are shopped by many national and international school systems during career fairs held at the campus." ESU's "very supportive" professors are "available to answer questions and give guidance that direct discussion and knowledge of the material," though there are definitely a few with "seeming disinterest." Almost every student has a story of a teacher who has "gone above and beyond to help": "One of my professors even drove all the way to Kansas City to help me work on a job application on his day off." The topics in classroom discussion "promote better understanding of the subject matter," and the faculty "bring the information to life by allowing us to approach the information from our position on the issue or topic."

The Emporia State student body includes "a large amount of international students" as well as a sizable group of non-traditional students and distance learners. The "small-town feel" combined with eclectic student interests creates "a diverse, yet intimate environment." This "friendly, polite, and welcoming" bunch is diverse in ideology as well; "everyone has their own unique beliefs and can adequately explain why they believe what they do." With fewer than 4,000 undergraduates, "everybody knows everyone on campus" and "you see the same people every day but that's what is nice about it: because you don't feel alone." Most people here "seem to be ready for the academic setting" and as a smaller university," there are plenty of opportunities to be involved."

Emporia State is in Emporia, described by students as "a smaller town," located between Wichita and Kansas City. The downtown area is "close and very quaint" with restaurants, antique stores, a bowling alley, skating rink, and movie theatre. On campus, there are over 120 student clubs, and "it's really easy to start one" if you don't find your flavor. Some examples include "numerous Greek organizations" and "a Nerf gun club where they set up times with different campus buildings to go in and have a nerf war." "Organizations such as Union Activities Council [host] various events" that students are able to attend for free. When the weather is nice, many people go off campus and take advantage of "the public parks that have walking paths and frisbee golf." Basically, despite the low-key surroundings, "There is always something going on for those who look for something to do."