Pittsburg State University
#2 Best Colleges in Kansas- Graduation Rate
- 57% C
- About half of students who start complete their degree
- Earnings (10yr)
- $50,579 B-
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $15,784 C+
- Close to the national average
- Acceptance Rate
- 89% D+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 19.0× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $19.0 over 20 years. Ranked #2 in Best Colleges in Kansas.
Every $1 spent returns $19.0 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,137,132.
What The Data Says
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A C overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Earnings 24% above the national college median.
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Every $1 invested returns $19.0 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Economic Footprint
- Inventor Rate
- 0.3%
- Top 68%
- Patents
- 18
- Linked to graduates
- World Rank
- #64
- Times Higher Education
- Patent Citations
- 15
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 58/100
- Times Higher Education
Why Pittsburg State University Matters
Pittsburg State University is a public university in Pittsburg, KS ranked #64 in the world by Times Higher Education, and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network. The result: graduate earnings well above the typical college.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public University
- Carnegie Class
- Master's University
- Enrollment
- 4,210
- Setting
- Town
- Primary Strengths
- Humanities, Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Education
Why students choose Pittsburg State University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 89% of applicants. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $15,784 a year after grants and scholarships — 8% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $50,579 ten years after enrolling — 24% above the typical college, against $18,969 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 1.5% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 46% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.58 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
Pittsburg State University is a great fit for students looking for a welcoming environment with a diverse range of programs. With an acceptance rate of 89%, it’s accessible for many who want to pursue degrees in areas like Humanities, Business & Marketing, Education, Health Professions, and Psychology. The campus community is tight-knit, making it easier to form connections and find support.
Graduates of Pittsburg State University can expect to earn an average of $50,579 after ten years in the workforce. This is a solid number, especially when you consider the affordability of the school. The net price after financial aid stands at $15,784, making it a reasonable choice for many students. While it’s important to note that the graduation rate is 57%, those who do complete their degrees often see a positive return on their investment.
When it comes to financial outcomes, the median debt for graduates is $18,969, which is manageable for many. The university attracts a mix of students, including those who are eligible for Pell Grants—about 30% of the student body. This indicates a commitment to supporting those from lower-income backgrounds. In essence, if you're looking for a supportive and affordable option that can lead to solid earning potential, Pittsburg State University could be a good match.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective Pittsburg State University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Pittsburg State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Pittsburg, Kansas, Pittsburg State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 89%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,050. The graduation rate is roughly 57%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Retention Rate
- 77%
- SAT Average
- 1050
- ACT Midpoint
- 21
- ACT Range
- 17–24
- Full-Time Faculty
- 66%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $8,130
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.39
- First-Gen Students
- 32%
- Applicants
- 2,642
- Admitted
- 2,277
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Pittsburg State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Pittsburg State University is $19,744, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $15,784. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $11,968 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $18,969 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $8,400
- Out-of-State
- $19,744
- Avg Net Price
- $15,784
- Median Debt
- $18,969
- Pell Grant Rate
- 30%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 41%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $11,968
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $11,453
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $14,676
- Family Income $110K+
- $20,237
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at Pittsburg State University — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Pittsburg State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Pittsburg State University earn a median of $50,579, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $43,793
- 8 Years
- $47,079
- 10 Years
- $50,579
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.38x
- Earning > $25K
- 70%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (330)
- 33%
- 100% (330)
- 33%
- 100% (330)
- 33%
- 100% (330)
- 33%
How Pittsburg Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is Pittsburg State University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Pittsburg State University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $15,784/year ($63,136 total). Graduates earn $50,579 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,200,268 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,137,132 (19.0× your investment). The median debt is $18,969, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 57% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $63,136
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,200,268
- Net Return
- $1,137,132
- ROI Multiple
- 19.0×
- Cost Per Year
- $15,784
- Median Debt
- $18,969
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 57%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does Pittsburg State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Pittsburg State University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.53%, well above the typical college. About 6.7% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 23% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $75,300, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 1.53%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 23.0%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 6.7%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $102,306
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Research & Teaching
Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings
How Research-Intensive Is Pittsburg State University? World Rank, Teaching & Citations
Times Higher Education places Pittsburg State University at #64 worldwide, a mark of serious research standing. Its profile spans a research score of 58/100, teaching at 59/100, and citation impact of 78/100, reflecting both the volume of research output and how often that work is cited by scholars elsewhere.
- World Rank
- #64
- Teaching
- 58.5
- Research
- 58.3
- Citations
- 78.3
- International
- 25.2
Innovation & Knowledge Creation
Patents, inventors, and research influence · Opportunity Insights & Times Higher Education
Pittsburg State University produces inventors at a measurable rate, with 18 patents tied to its graduates, and ranks among research universities with a 58/100 research score.
- Inventor Rate
- 0.27%
- Top 68% nationally
- Patents Produced
- 18
- Linked to graduates
- Patent Citations
- 15
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 58/100
- Times Higher Ed
- Academic Influence
- 78/100
- Citation impact (THE)
- Industry Engagement
- 38/100
- Knowledge transfer (THE)
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $5,186,284
- Investment Income
- $68,149
Top Programs
The fields Pittsburg State University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Humanities 38% $33,335 early-career
- Business & Marketing 14% $79,539 early-career
- Health Professions 7% $64,859 early-career
- Education 6% $42,745 early-career
- Psychology 3% $31,115 early-career
- Mechanic & Repair Tech 2% $53,400 early-career
- Biology & Biomedical 2% $34,534 early-career
- Communications 2% $33,980 early-career
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Pittsburg State University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Marketing Manager$156,580 · 8% growthAdaptable 64
- CAdvertising Manager$138,730 · 6% growthAdaptable 64
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPharmacist$136,030 · 3% growthResilient 82
- CPetroleum Engineer$135,690 · 2% growthResilient 72
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Pittsburg State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Pittsburg, Kansas, Pittsburg State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 89%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,050. The graduation rate is roughly 57%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Pittsburg State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Pittsburg State University is $19,744, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $15,784. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $11,968 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $18,969 in federal student loans.
Is Pittsburg State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Pittsburg State University earn a median of $50,579, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Does Pittsburg State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Pittsburg State University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.53%, well above the typical college. About 6.7% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 23% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $75,300, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is Pittsburg State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Pittsburg State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.58, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.01), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 6% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
How Research-Intensive Is Pittsburg State University? World Rank, Teaching & Citations
Times Higher Education places Pittsburg State University at #64 worldwide, a mark of serious research standing. Its profile spans a research score of 58/100, teaching at 59/100, and citation impact of 78/100, reflecting both the volume of research output and how often that work is cited by scholars elsewhere.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Pittsburg State University.
- University of Nebraska at KearneyKearney, NE · Close peer59% grad $50,105 earn 89% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville, MO · Close peer56% grad $47,885 earn 86% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of Wisconsin-River FallsRiver Falls, WI · Close peer59% grad $54,458 earn 82% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of Southern MainePortland, ME · Close peer43% grad $49,958 earn 79% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar size
- Indiana University of PennsylvaniaIndiana, PA · Close peer54% grad $51,019 earn 91% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Texas A&M University-KingsvilleKingsville, TX · Close peer44% grad $51,450 earn 91% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is Pittsburg State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Pittsburg State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.58, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.01), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 6% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note