Best Online Engineering 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 engineering programs within 100 miles of Emporia. In Kansas, the top-earning engineering-related role is Architectural and Engineering Manager at a median $147,020 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Engineering Schools to Emporia
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer engineering programs. Distances are calculated from Emporia city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flint Hills Technical College | Emporia, KS | 2.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Washburn Institute of Technology | Topeka, KS | 50.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Butler Community College | El Dorado, KS | 55.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Manhattan Area Technical College | Manhattan, KS | 59.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | 59.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Kansas schools on the Kansas engineering page.
Engineering Wages Near Emporia
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Kansas, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $86,780 |
| Electrical Engineer | $97,680 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $91,770 |
| Chemical Engineer | $107,200 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $126,640 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $109,140 |
| Environmental Engineer | $93,540 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $147,020 |
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) |
| Engineering-related employment in Lyon County | 31 workers, 11 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Emporia-Area Cities With Engineering 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 engineering programs are near Emporia, KS?
Our directory lists 5 engineering programs within 100 miles of Emporia. The closest is Flint Hills Technical College in Emporia, KS (2.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Kansas State University (59.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying engineering roles in Kansas?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying engineering-related roles in Kansas are: Architectural and Engineering Manager ($147,020), Aerospace Engineer ($126,640), Biomedical Engineer ($109,140). 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 engineering 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 engineering?
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.