Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State University was founded in 1903, in vibrant and progressive southeast Kansas. Home to nearly 6,500 students, PSU provides all the benefits of a major college but with small class sizes and personalized experiences. The university offers more than 200 academic programs and emphasis areas across four colleges, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, EdS degrees, and a doctoral degree in Nursing. Our students enjoy an average class size of just 18 students and benefit from world-class faculty and a vibrant campus life. More than 65,000 alumni proudly declare, "Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla."

Pittsburg State University offers a rich college experience with a broad selection of academic and social amenities.

• A beautiful 223-acre campus is home to state-of-the-art buildings that bring the real world to students, and include The Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, the Kansas Technology Center, the Tyler Research Center, the Robert W. Plaster Center, and much more
• The surrounding Pittsburg community fully embraces the university and its students with a welcoming, family-like small city atmosphere
• A variety of housing options give students living/learning opportunities, modern downtown apartments, group living, and more
• Nearly 150 student organizations provide opportunities for engagement, community, and leadership
• A diverse student population hosts a variety of cultural and social events on campus and in the community, exposing students to the traditions and lives from countries around the world
• Home to the NCAA’s only Gorilla mascot, the university has a strong athletics tradition that showcases student athletes and brings together a community of dedicated fans
• A growing selection of online classes, programs, and degrees provide flexibility and opportunity to students from all walks of life.

International Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Gorilla International Scholarship

Award: Up to $6,000 per year (renewable)

Scholarship will be applied in the form of a tuition waiver for up to four years of full time enrollment for undergraduate students and for up to two years of full time enrollment for graduate students. Scholarships are available for new international students (freshman, transfer and graduate) applying to PSU for the first time.

Scholarship Application and Requirements

International Admission Scholarships

• International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship
  • Award: Up to $2,000 first year (one-time)
    
• Learn English in the USA Scholarship
  • Award: Up to $500 first session (one-time)

General University Scholarships

All admitted PSU students are eligible to be considered for General University Scholarships by completing the PSU online Scholarship Application. Criteria employed by the scholar­ship committee in making these awards may include: past academic performance, leadership, character, and financial need. Some awards are based entirely on merit. The deadline is February 1st of each year.

Academic Department Scholarships

There may be scholarships available through each academic department. You may contact the department chair or your academic advisor to see what possibilities are available. A separate application may be required.

View all departmental scholarships

Honors College Scholarship

• Presidential Award: $9,500 per year for four years
• University Award: $4,500 per year for four years
• The Honors College provides the opportunity for incoming (entering) freshman to participate in the most selective academic group at the university.
• The application is open once a year and the deadline for the scholarship is January 15 for the following Fall semester. Students are advised to apply for this scholarship together with the application to the university.

On Campus Living

Living on campus allows you to fully experience life at a university. You’re steps away from your classes, have easy access to university support services such as the Bryant Student Health Center, Axe Library and Overman Student Center, and can easily attend the many athletic and entertainment activities on campus.

Our affordable rates include all utilities, hi-speed internet access, a parking pass, cleaning services for the restrooms and common areas, resident assistants on each floor, food services and much more. In order to help you with your decision, we’ve compiled a full listing of materials for new residents and those considering living on campus.

Off-Campus Housing

Students have numerous options of finding an accommodation off-campus in nearby areas. Students can have access to studio apartments, paying guest facilities, sharing apartment complexes and many more. 

University provides world-class infrastructure and a range of facilities to students, including the magnificent lobby, art gallery, reception hall, performance hall, theatre, and multi-use practice space for large melodious groups. To provide students with a perfect learning environment, the university brought several improvements with the opening of the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, the Robert W. Plaster Center, and it also renovated and expanded the Jack H. Overman Student Center. 

Pittsburg State University has a rich alumni base. Some of the known names include Aaron McConnell (American football player), Fira Basuki (Indonesian novelist), John Brown (wide receiver for Buffalo Bills), Gary Busey (film actor), and Don Gutteridge (Manager and Major League Baseball player).