Head-to-head · 2026
Donnelly College vs Emporia State University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Donnelly College, 2 for Emporia State University — Donnelly College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Donnelly College | Emporia State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.78 ✓ | 7.32 |
| Avg net price | $11,476 ✓ | $16,261 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $35,715 | $47,601 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 97.7% |
| Graduation rate | 45.8% | 56.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,842 ✓ | $19,500 |
| Enrollment | 395 | 2,239 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1120 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Emporia State University costs $4,785 more per year than Donnelly College ($16,261 vs $11,476). Emporia State University graduates report $11,886 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,601 vs $35,715). On EduGradify's model that puts Donnelly College ahead on projected ROI (7.78 vs 7.32, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Donnelly College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Emporia State University reports 97.7% acceptance; Donnelly College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Donnelly College vs Emporia State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Donnelly College or Emporia State University the better value?
Donnelly College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.78 vs 7.32), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Donnelly College is cheaper — average net price $11,476 per year vs $16,261 at Emporia State University. The annual difference of $4,785 adds up to about $19,140 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Emporia State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,601 vs $35,715 at Donnelly College. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,886.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Donnelly College reports a B value grade; Emporia State University reports C.