College Cost Planning in Emporia, KS 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Emporia, Kansas. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Emporia as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$6,716
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$35,070
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,074
per month
Local Cost Market
4
benchmark points
Emporia Overview
Population
24,916
Student Population
2,354 (9.4%)
Cost of Living Index
104 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
College Cost Calculator for Emporia
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$72,908
Total After Financial Aid
$72,908
Annual Cost
$18,227
Annual After Aid
$18,227
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $72,908 |
| Monthly Payment | $828 |
| Total Interest | $26,435 |
| Total Loan Cost | $99,343 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Emporia
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
4
Public tuition
$6,716
Private tuition
$35,070
Community college
$3,564
Cost of Living in Emporia vs. National Average
| Category | Emporia | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,716 | $10,940 | -$4,224 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,074 | $1,050 | +$24 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 100 | +4 |
Emporia's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Emporia
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,354 students
Emporia has a total population of 24,916, with approximately 2,354 college students (9.4% of the population). Emporia has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Emporia
$49,739
Starting Salary
6.6%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~4.9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Emporia earn a median starting salary of $49,739, which is $14,739 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 4.9 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $15,328 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Kansas
Wichita
20 colleges · Avg tuition $8,640
Overland Park
13 colleges · Avg tuition $3,564
Topeka
14 colleges · Avg tuition $8,640
Lawrence
5 colleges · Avg tuition $5,898
Manhattan
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,383
Kansas City
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Olathe
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Shawnee
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Lenexa
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Salina
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Hutchinson
2 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Leavenworth
2 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Emporia
How we compile Emporia college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Emporia institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Emporia's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Emporia, KS?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Emporia is $6,716. Private university tuition averages $35,070, and community college tuition averages $3,564. When room and board ($11,511/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $18,227.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Emporia, KS?
Emporia uses approximately 4 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 2,354, which represents 9.4% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Emporia?
The average rent near college campuses in Emporia is approximately $1,074 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 104 (national average is 100), a walk score of 49, and a public transit score of 21. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Emporia?
College graduates in Emporia earn a median starting salary of $49,739. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%. With an average financial aid package of $15,328 per student and a 63% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Emporia, KS?
With a median starting salary of $49,739 and an average 4-year public university cost of $72,908 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 4.9 years. The 63% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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