Best Online Education Programs in Emporia, KS (2026)
Emporia, Kansas has a population of about 24,098. The city’s median household income is $52,787 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 25.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Emporia, with tuition ranging from $9,322 to $21,064 per year. In Kansas, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, Postsecondary at a median $105,870 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Emporia
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Emporia city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia State University | Emporia, KS | 1.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Wichita State University | Wichita, KS | 77.5 mi | $9,322 - $21,064 | – |
| Bethany College | Lindsborg, KS | 81.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Avila University | Kansas City, MO | 93.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rockhurst University | Kansas City, MO | 97.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Kansas schools on the Kansas education page.
Education Wages Near Emporia
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Kansas, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $58,770 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $50,820 |
| Middle School Teacher | $58,820 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $63,070 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $97,000 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $105,870 |
| Tutor | $33,420 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $58,430 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Emporia at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,098 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $52,787 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 25.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Education-related employment in Lyon County | 46 workers, 13 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Emporia-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Topeka, KS – 51.3 mi away (149,220 pop)
- Junction City, KS – 55.8 mi away (40,157 pop)
- Manhattan, KS – 58.7 mi away (57,442 pop)
- Lawrence, KS – 63.2 mi away (95,800 pop)
- Newton, KS – 67.9 mi away (20,625 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Emporia, KS?
Our directory lists 5 education programs within 100 miles of Emporia. The closest is Emporia State University in Emporia, KS (1.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Rockhurst University (97.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles in Kansas?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying education-related roles in Kansas are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($105,870), Education Administrator, K-12 ($97,000), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($63,070). Wages for Emporia workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Topeka instead of Emporia?
Topeka, KS is 51.3 miles from Emporia and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Emporia an affordable place to study education?
Emporia’s median household income of $52,787 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Emporia while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Kansas public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.