Pittsburg State University (PSU)

Pittsburg State University in southeast Kansas is an “affordable” smallish school “with a bigger university atmosphere.” Career-oriented majors such as business and education are particularly strong. Electronics engineering technology and some other technology-related programs boast career placement rates of 100 percent. “Students love the small class sizes” at PSU. They tell us that “the classes challenge you enough to keep going to class but they aren’t too hard that you stay up all night studying and are overwhelmed with homework.” Many professors are “very knowledgeable” and “enjoy what they are doing.” They are “always more than willing to help” outside of class as well. However, “it seems some teachers would rather be somewhere else.” “My professors are awesome in the nursing department and the psychology department,” reports a nursing major. “But over the years, I’ve had some really not-so-awesome professors.” The administration here “works fast and effectively if there is ever a problem” and seems generally beloved.

A lot of students come to Pitt State “from the Kansas City area.” Many others come “from farms” and rural hamlets around Kansas. “I come from a town of 1,200 people so this is a big change for me,” mentions a sophomore. Ethnic diversity isn’t much, though there are “quite a few international students.” There are many “older are wiser” nontraditional students as well. The typical PSU student was “familiar with several students prior to enrollment” and is “wrapped up in college life.” That student is also “very friendly” and pretty extroverted. “If you aren’t social, this probably isn’t a great choice,” advises a sophomore. “Everyone is outgoing here.”

Some students call Pitt State’s compact campus “beautiful.” Others say that it “could be prettier” and note that some of the residence halls are as “old as dirt.” Parking is a serious complaint as well. Students report “a wide variety of activities” on campus. “I am amazed at the number of groups represented at Pitt considering the small overall population,” says one senior. “Most everyone fits in somewhere.” There’s a smattering of Greek life. The bar scene isn’t bad and “partying” is a pretty common pastime. “It doesn’t matter what night it is,” promises a senior, “you can find a party.” “PSU: out-drinking your school since 1903,” states a first-year student. Sports of all kinds are also very popular, but the football team is a storied Division II powerhouse and it definitely dominates. In the fall, tailgating is reportedly “huge” and “football is the biggest thing going.” Off campus, the “small,” “rural” surrounding town is cheap and very safe but “there isn’t a whole lot” in the way of commercial activity. Kansas City is a reasonable drive for students looking for urban fare.