Exploring Emporia State University's Student Population

Emporia State University (ESU) is a public university in Emporia, Kansas, United States. The university offers degrees through seven schools, one college, and one institute. As of Fall 2023, the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,412 students. However, enrollment numbers have fluctuated over the years, with a record enrollment of 6,114 students in the Fall 2014 semester. In recent years, ESU has experienced a decline in enrollment, with an overall decrease of 5.2% in Fall 2022 compared to the previous year. The university's enrollment direction has diverged from other Kansas public universities, with a 12.5% drop in enrollment from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023.

Emporia State University's total undergraduate enrollment in Fall 2023 was 2,412

Emporia State University (ESU) is a public university in Emporia, Kansas, founded in 1863. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs through its seven schools, one college, and one institute. ESU has a rich history and is known for its welcoming and personal campus community.

In recent years, ESU has undergone a period of transformation, making substantial changes to its academic structure and programs to better serve its students and the region. As a result, the university anticipated a decline in enrollment for Fall 2023, and the numbers reflect this expectation.

ESU's total undergraduate enrollment for Fall 2023 was 2,412 students, a decrease from previous years. This decline is attributed to various factors, including changes in student demand for majors and programs, competition from the national workforce, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the decrease in enrollment, ESU remains committed to providing a high-quality education to its students. The university has implemented new recruitment initiatives and continues to invest in its academic programs. Additionally, ESU offers a personal and unique campus experience, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-world experiences to prepare students for their future careers.

ESU's undergraduate enrollment for Fall 2023 reflects the university's transition and adaptation to the changing landscape of higher education. While there has been a decline in student numbers, ESU remains dedicated to its core mission of serving its students and providing them with the best educational opportunities. The university is confident that its investments and transformations will lead to a brighter future, with expectations for enrollment stabilization in the coming years.

The university's overall enrollment in Fall 2022 was 5,324

Emporia State University's overall enrollment in Fall 2022 was 5,324 students. This number represents a total enrollment decrease of 5.2% from the previous year. Despite this decline, the university saw a double-digit increase in new students, with an overall increase of 10% for new freshmen, transfer, and graduate students compared to Fall 2021. This positive development can be attributed to the university's recently implemented recruitment initiatives and students' readiness to return to college after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decrease in overall enrollment at Emporia State University can be attributed to a combination of factors, including on-campus and off-campus/online enrollment declines. On-campus enrollment decreased by 5.8% from Fall 2021, while off-campus and online enrollment dropped by 4.5%. These numbers indicate that the university is experiencing a shift in student preferences, with a slight move towards off-campus and online learning options.

Emporia State University's enrollment numbers also reflect the broader trends in higher education. Across the nation, enrollment trends are changing and declining. The university anticipated these changes and communicated their expectations of declining enrollment before stabilization in 2025. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic improvements have also influenced the enrollment landscape, with more students opting to join the workforce directly after high school graduation.

To address the enrollment decline and adapt to the changing market, Emporia State University has taken several strategic steps. The university has made substantial changes to its academic structure, including suspending certain programs and introducing new ones to better serve the needs of its students and the region. They have also started reinvestment and restructuring initiatives to align their resources with the evolving demands of the student body.

In conclusion, Emporia State University's overall enrollment of 5,324 students in Fall 2022 reflects the complex dynamics of higher education. The university is taking proactive measures to enhance its academic programs, restructure its offerings, and adapt to the evolving preferences of prospective students. These initiatives demonstrate the university's commitment to providing a personalized and supportive educational experience for its student body.

Emporia State University's enrollment dropped by 12.5% from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023

The drop in enrollment may be attributed to several factors, including the university's recent decision to cut tenured faculty members, negative publicity, and changing student needs and preferences. The university's termination of 33 employees, including 23 tenured professors, gained infamy among professors and resulted in public censure by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). The AAUP found that the university disregarded principles of academic freedom and tenure, and failed to provide due process for those terminated. This controversy may have influenced prospective students' decisions to enroll, as suggested by some faculty members.

Additionally, the university has acknowledged that the decline in enrollment is partly due to their own strategic decisions. Gwen Larson, spokeswoman for the university, stated that they have completely changed [their] academic structure, cancelled some programs, and added others. She also attributed the drop in graduate students, who made up about half of the decline, to lower demand for online career advancement programs during a period of labor shortage and an improved economy.

Emporia State University is not alone in facing enrollment challenges. The Kansas Board of Regents' data showed that two other smaller public universities in the state, Pittsburg State and Fort Hays State, also experienced enrollment declines, although their drops were more modest at 2.2% and less than 1%, respectively.

To address the enrollment decline, Emporia State University has implemented various strategies. The university has made substantial changes to its academic structure and introduced new programs to better serve the needs of its students and the region. Additionally, the university has been honest about its expectations, forecasting the enrollment decline 18 months in advance and predicting a further single-digit drop in Fall 2024 before stabilization in Fall 2025.

Despite the challenges, Emporia State University remains committed to its core mission of serving its students. The university is focused on making substantive changes to address enrollment, retention, academic and non-academic programming, and operational costs. They aim to manage expenses responsibly, modernize their academic programs, expand their reach to prospective students, and reduce their physical campus footprint.

The university's enrollment has been declining since 2021

Emporia State University's student enrollment has been on a downward trajectory since 2021. In the fall of 2022, the university's total enrollment stood at 5,324 students, marking a 5.2% decline compared to the previous year. This trend continued into 2023, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,412 students. While the university saw an increase in new students, with a notable rise in freshmen, transfer, and graduate students, the overall enrollment numbers still reflected a decrease.

Several factors have likely contributed to the university's declining enrollment. One significant issue was the university's decision to abruptly cut ties with tenured faculty members in 2022, which led to negative publicity and criticism from organizations like the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). This move may have impacted the university's reputation and influenced prospective students' decisions. Additionally, the university's academic restructuring, which included canceling and adding certain programs, could also have played a role in the enrollment decline, as students may have opted for other institutions that offered their desired courses of study.

The decline in graduate student enrollment is particularly notable, accounting for about half of the overall student loss. This decrease may be attributed to lower demand for online career advancement programs during a period of economic improvement and a labor shortage. However, it's important to note that the university's challenges with enrollment began before the recent controversies. From 2016 to 2020, enrollment fluctuated between 5,700 and 5,900 students, but it dropped to 5,615 in 2021, indicating that other factors may also be at play.

The university has acknowledged the need for strategic reinvestment and realignment of resources to sustain its future. Despite the challenges, Emporia State University remains committed to attracting new students and has implemented recruitment initiatives with some success, as evidenced by the increase in new student enrollment. The university's efforts to enhance its academic programs and adapt to changing trends in higher education will be crucial in addressing the enrollment decline and securing its long-term future.

Emporia State University is the seventh-largest university in Kansas by enrollment

Emporia State University (ESU) is a public university located in Emporia, Kansas. Established in 1863, it is the third-oldest public university in the state. By enrollment, ESU is the seventh-largest university in Kansas.

In recent years, ESU has seen fluctuations in its student numbers. In the fall of 2014, the university recorded its highest-ever enrollment, with a total of 6,114 students. However, in 2022, there was a decline, with a total enrollment of 5,324 students, a 5.2% decrease from the previous year. This drop was attributed to a decrease in both on-campus and off-campus/online enrollment. Despite this, the number of new incoming students increased, with a 12% rise in new freshmen, a 15% increase in new transfer students, and a 7% rise in new graduate students, resulting in an overall 10% increase in new students compared to fall 2021.

ESU offers a range of academic programs and is committed to providing a personal and welcoming campus community. The university has eight schools, one college, and one institute, offering degrees in over 80 courses of study. The campus covers 212 acres and provides various facilities for its students, including cutting-edge residence halls, research facilities, labs, and classrooms.

In 2022, ESU implemented a plan to downsize its employee count by 7%, including tenured professors, due to changing student demands and market considerations. This decision led to a further decline in enrollment, with a drop of 12.5% from the fall of 2022 to the fall of 2023, resulting in a total of 4,658 students. This decrease was anticipated by the university, and they expect a single-digit drop again in fall 2024 before stabilizing in 2025.

Despite the recent enrollment fluctuations, ESU remains an essential part of the Kansas education system, serving predominantly Kansas students. The university is focused on adapting to the changing landscape of higher education and making strategic investments to better serve its students and the state.

Frequently asked questions