
1701 South Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762, USA


Pittsburg State University boasts a vibrant athletics program that competes primarily in NCAA Division II. The university fields a variety of men's and women's sports teams known collectively as the Gorillas. Student-athletes have opportunities to participate in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, softball, track and field, volleyball, and tennis, among others.
The athletics program emphasizes both competitive excellence and the holistic development of its athletes, encouraging academic achievement alongside athletic pursuits. Fans and students alike enjoy an engaged and spirited sports culture on campus, with facilities designed to support training, competition, and community events. The football team, in particular, has a strong tradition and is a central part of the campus identity.
Beyond varsity sports, the university also supports club and intramural activities, offering additional ways for students to stay active and involved in athletics. These programs widen opportunities for participation beyond scholarship athletes, promoting health and camaraderie among the broader student body.
Pittsburg State University offers a range of student organizations that cater to various interests and foster campus engagement. Among the notable groups are the Student Government Association, which represents the student body in university affairs, and the Student Activities Council, which organizes events and activities for the campus community. Additionally, students can participate in the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) program, promoting entrepreneurial and business skills, and contribute to campus media through the student newspaper and the student yearbook. These organizations provide students with opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and social involvement during their college experience.
Pittsburg State University hosts a diverse student body across various age groups and backgrounds, offering a comprehensive environment for higher education. The undergraduate population includes a substantial number of traditional college-age students, primarily between 18 and 21 years old, with 1,528 students aged 18-19 and 1,565 aged 20-21. Beyond this typical range, the university also enrolls many adult learners, including 719 students aged 22-24 and smaller but notable contingents extending into older age groups up to and beyond 50 years.
Graduate students represent a more mature demographic with many aged 22 and older. Significant numbers are found in the 22-24 age range (351 students) and extend through age categories into those over 50, reflecting a broad spectrum of postgraduate learners.
The university's enrollment includes both freshmen and transfer students, with a total of 1,279 freshmen and 402 transfer students, each group representing average proportions compared to national norms.
Concerning student residency, a considerable portion is from out of state, making up 35% of the student population, which positions this group within the top 40% percentile for out-of-state representation. In-state students constitute 65%, which is average but ranked in the lower half nationally. International students make up a small segment, accounting for about 1% of enrollment, ranking modestly in comparison with other institutions.
The racial and ethnic composition at Pittsburg State University varies, with the majority identified as white students, numbering 3,269, which is an average figure compared to similar institutions but falls in the higher 45th percentile. Native American students total 69, representing a relatively high demographic slice within the top 30% nationally. Other groups include Hispanic and African American students, totaling 338 and 136 respectively, both around average representations but somewhat lower compared to broader national figures.
Pittsburg State University offers a variety of cultural and extracurricular activities that contribute to a vibrant student life. Students can engage in performing arts through campus drama, band, chorus, and television. For those interested in media, the university supports a campus newspaper, radio station, and television channel.
Additionally, the university provides essential services to support student well-being. These include legal services, a health clinic, and psychological counseling to assist students in managing health and personal challenges effectively.
The student-faculty ratio stands at 14 to 1, which suggests that students have reasonable access to faculty members for academic support and guidance. The total enrollment of the university is approximately 5,774 students, with a balanced distribution between male and female full-time degree seekers.
Pittsburg State University offers access to three libraries, a quantity considered high compared to other institutions and placing the university in the top 30% for number of libraries. The main library on campus is the Leonard H. Axe Library. In addition to this primary facility, there are two other libraries available, which is regarded as an average number and ranks within the top 35% for similar institutions.
All libraries provide both physical and digital resources to support student learning and research. The university ensures that these facilities are staffed by trained personnel and maintain established operating hours. Furthermore, students have access to shared collections across the libraries, enhancing the range of materials available for academic use.
Total enrollment
5774Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
881Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
265 full time, 143 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Leonard H. Axe LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
3Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes