What Is Pitt State? Programs, Applying, Visiting, and Campus Life
Updated
Pitt State is Pittsburg State University, a micropolitan university in Pittsburg, Kansas. It offers 70+ programs, a 14:1 student/faculty ratio, and 200+ student organizations, and it describes itself as providing transformational experiences for students and the community. If you're considering applying, visiting, or just figuring out whether it fits you, the school's own site points you to three starting actions: explore programs, visit campus, and apply. Below is how each of those works and what to check before you commit.
What Pitt State offers
The university highlights award-winning technology, business, and science programs, and frames its pitch around being "more than ready" for the job market after graduation. Key figures from the site:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Programs | 70+ |
| Student/faculty ratio | 14:1 |
| Student organizations | 200+ |
| Location | Pittsburg, Kansas |
| Athletics | Gorilla Athletics (Champion athletic programs) |
| Campus life | Student Life, Gorilla Connection, events |
"Gorilla" is the school's identity — the homepage tagline is "Be a Gorilla," and athletics and student life both use the name.
Exploring majors and programs
Start with the Majors and Programs section to find your field. The site groups this under "Find your major or program," and the emphasis is on technology, business, and science, though the 70+ program count covers more than those three areas.
If you're unsure, the practical sequence is:
- Browse Majors and Programs and shortlist two or three.
- Request information so admissions can follow up with program-specific details.
- Check the Schedule of Classes to see how courses are organized by day, time, and instructor — useful for judging whether a program's format fits your schedule.
How to apply
The site's Apply section ("Apply Now: Start your journey at Pittsburg State University") is the entry point. A concrete date is listed: Fall 2027 applications are open, with an "Apply for Fall 2027" action.
Steps as presented:
- Go to the Apply section and start your application.
- Watch the Academic Calendar for important dates.
- Note the Early Enrollment date of Nov. 8 if it applies to your term.
- Check enrollment information for details on enrolling in classes once admitted.
Thanksgiving break is listed as Nov. 20, which matters mainly for planning visits or contacting offices around that window.
Visiting campus and talking to admissions
Two direct options are offered:
- Schedule a tour — "Tour Campus: See our facilities and student life firsthand." The site notes fall is a perfect time to explore campus.
- Ask Admissions — "Get your questions answered today," plus a Chat with us option to talk with departments online.
If you can't visit in person, the online chat and the request-information form are the substitutes the site provides. For a visit, checking the Academic Calendar first helps you avoid dates when classes aren't in session.
Paying for it: scholarships and FAFSA
Two financial items are named:
- Great Gorilla Scholarship Program — incoming students can "see your academic awards."
- FAFSA — applications open in December, per the site.
The site does not publish tuition figures or state that anything is free, so treat cost as something to confirm directly with the university rather than assume. The FAFSA December opening is the date to plan around if you're seeking aid.
Campus life and what's happening
Pitt State leans into a "vibrant campus life" with sports, arts, technology, and community events. The Gorilla Connection covers "inspiring people, cutting-edge projects, and major milestones" — one featured story follows a path from Pitt State to lunar research at NASA Johnson Space Center.
Recent and upcoming highlights include:
- Homecoming 2026 — a full week of fun, with Homecoming Royalty candidates announced.
- Gorilla Athletics — the university's athletic programs.
- 200+ student organizations — the main route to finding your niche.
The Events section ("See all Events") is where current happenings are listed, so check it before a visit if you want to overlap with something specific.
Quick decision guide
- Want to know if your major exists? Check Majors and Programs, then request information.
- Ready to apply? Use the Apply section; Fall 2027 is open.
- Want to see it first? Schedule a tour, ideally in fall, and check the Academic Calendar.
- Need money? Look at the Great Gorilla Scholarship Program and file FAFSA when it opens in December.
- Want the vibe? Read Gorilla Connection stories and browse Events.
The through-line from the university's own framing: it positions itself as a place where you leave "more than ready" for what comes next, with the Gorilla identity tying together academics, athletics, and community.