Kansas's hands-on learning powerhouse with 5,700+ students and 200+ programs.
Pittsburg State offers 200+ undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs across four colleges: Arts and Science, Kelce College of Business, College of Education, and Crossland College of Technology. Top undergraduate programs include construction management, engineering technology, nursing, biology/pre-med, elementary and secondary education, business, criminal justice, exercise science, automotive technology, psychology, and social work. Graduate strengths include nursing, education, history, MBA, materials science, social work, and psychology. The university awards one doctoral degree in nursing practice and offers two-year programs in automotive service and electrical technology. Kelce College of Business is AACSB-accredited; Crossland's construction management and engineering technology programs are ABET-accredited.
The 223-acre campus in southeast Kansas features the $30 million Kansas Technology Center, the largest academic building in the state. The Bicknell Family Center for the Arts (opened December 2014) includes a 1,100-seat performance hall, 280-seat black box theater, 2,000-square-foot art gallery, and houses KRPS 89.9 (NPR affiliate). Students enjoy 150+ clubs and organizations, study abroad opportunities, and a vibrant community with downtown Pittsburg amenities. The university maintains a Kansas City campus and offers dual credit programs for high school students.
Pittsburg State welcomes freshman, transfer, dual credit, graduate, and international students. The university offers the Gorilla Advantage program providing in-state tuition rates to students from 32 states. Undergraduate admission contact: 620-235-4251; Graduate admission: 620-235-4251; International admission: +1 (620) 235-4680. Admission for Summer and Fall 2026 is open. The university provides personalized campus tours, online chat support (weekdays 8:30 AM–4:00 PM), and regional recruiter outreach.
Pittsburg State competes in NCAA Division II (MIAA) with 12 varsity sports. The football program, established 1908, holds the most wins in Division II history and won national championships in 1957, 1961, 1991, and 2011. The Gorillas are the only U.S. university with a gorilla mascot, officially adopted January 15, 1925. Apple Day, an annual tradition since 1908, celebrates the university's founding with faculty bringing apples to students. The Fall Classic at Arrowhead, played against Northwest Missouri State, is a marquee rivalry game.