ESU Undergraduate Students Can Unlock Multiple Scholarships, Driving Down the Cost of College Education
At Emporia State University, the commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable continues to transform the lives of students and their families. For the 2024-25 academic year, 70% of undergraduate students were awarded one or more scholarships, significantly reducing the financial barriers to earning a degree.
“There’s never been a better time to join Hornet Nation,” said Kelly Heine, executive vice president + chief marketing officer. “We are committed to attacking the cost of higher education by helping our students both achieve their academic goals while significantly reducing their costs and student loan debt.”
Introducing the Hornet Early Enrollment Scholarship
As part of its ongoing efforts to support students, Emporia State is introducing the Hornet Early Enrollment Scholarship, a compelling incentive consisting of ten $1,000 scholarships designed to encourage students to commit to their educational journey early. This scholarship can be layered on top of other scholarships and provides a substantial financial boost to incoming students, reinforcing ESU’s commitment to affordability and academic success.
To qualify for the Hornet Early Enrollment Scholarship, incoming students must sign up by April 15 to enroll for fall 2025. Scholarship awards through weekly drawings beginning March 18. More information is online.
Affordable Tuition, Accessible Opportunities
Emporia State’s scholarships span a wide array of disciplines and needs, reflecting the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Students from all backgrounds benefit from scholarships that target academic excellence, artistic achievement, leadership and financial need. Highlights include:
- Hornet Early Enrollment Scholarship: A drawing of ten $1,000 scholarships for incoming students who sign up by April 15 to enroll for fall 2025. Enrollment appointments may be scheduled beginning Feb. 17.
- Presidential Scholarships: Renewable awards from $1,250 to $3,000, based on grade point average or ACT score. Awarded to both new freshmen and transfer students.
- Residence Hall Scholarships: $1,000 scholarship for students who live in on-campus residence halls.
- Legacy Scholarships: Renewable $1,000 awards for children of ESU alumni pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree.
- Athletic Bands, Spirit Squad and Choir Scholarships: Starting at $2,000 per year for students involved in Emporia State Marching Hornets, ESU Colorguard, Stingers Dance Team, Hornet Cheer and Choir, regardless of major.
- Honors College Scholarships: Renewable $1,000 awards for students participating in the prestigious Honors College programs.
- Jones Success Scholarships: Renewable awards starting at $1,000 annually up to a total of $7,000 over four years. Open to all students who live in Coffey, Lyon and Osage counties.
- Jump Start Scholarships: Reducing tuition for high school students in concurrent enrollment programs to just $21 per credit hour.
The first step to explore scholarships is to apply to Emporia State University and be admitted. For more: emporia.edu/apply.
Students who have been admitted to Emporia State can go to ESU’s centralized scholarship portal to apply for multiple scholarship opportunities by completing one simple form. For more information: emporia.edu/scholarships.
“At Emporia State, we’re not just awarding scholarships — we’re investing in the future of our students and our state,” added Heine.
By continuing to prioritize affordability and student success, Emporia State University reaffirms its commitment to transforming lives through education.