Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is a public university in Hays, KS ranked #865 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 9,792 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 91.8%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Information Science/Studies.
Academically, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 76.8% first-year retention, and 47.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $13,493, about $3,505 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -17.7%, roughly 103.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $44,428. That's about $740 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Fort Hays State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Fort Hays State University graduates 47.9% of students within six years and keeps 76.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Fort Hays State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $5,633 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,772 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,972 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $19,114 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 22.3% of Fort Hays State University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,964 to $16,847 depending on family income. Use Fort Hays State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,573/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $16,847/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $44,428
- 10-Year Median Earnings $44,428
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.3%
- Employment Rate 89.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Fort Hays State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Fort Hays State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Fort Hays State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Fort Hays State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Fort Hays State University graduates earn $44,428 median, the -17.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 490-600
- SAT Math 480-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 9,792
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 76.8%
- Graduation Rate 47.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Fort Hays State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Fort Hays State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 91.8%, Fort Hays State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 91.8% acceptance rate, Fort Hays State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 970 and 1200 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Fort Hays State University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Suppo, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 16.3%
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Suppo 16.2%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 8.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.8%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 4.5%
- Economics 4.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $84,609
- 2. Information Science/Studies $71,322
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $63,192
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Marketing $60,743
- 5. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $60,561
- 6. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $60,450
- 7. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $57,241
- 8. Computer Programming $57,162
- 9. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $55,175
- 10. Management Information Systems and Services $55,111
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $115,388
- 2. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degree) $82,849
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $80,084
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $77,920
- 5. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Master's Degree) $68,651
- 6. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $64,758
- 7. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $56,666
- 8. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $55,914
- 9. Education, General (Master's Degree) $55,566
- 10. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $55,408
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $84,609—54% more than Management Information Systems and Services ($55,111). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $115,388 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Fort Hays State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 147 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degree, 79 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 71 graduates)
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 70 graduates)
- Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degree, 60 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (24 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Biology, General
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Accounting and Related Services
- Agriculture, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Social Work
- Communication and Media Studies
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Music
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Geography and Cartography
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Engineering Technology, General
Online Master's Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biology, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 9,792
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 38.9%
- Female Students 61.1%
- Caucasian 48.8%
- Asian 1.6%
- Hispanic 5.7%
- Black 2.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 22.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Fort Hays State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Fort Hays State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Fort Hays State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Fort Hays State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Fort Hays State University has a diverse student body, with 48.8% identifying as White. Women make up 61.1% of undergraduates. About 22.3% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Fort Hays State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Fort Hays State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Fort Hays State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #865 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,493 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $44,428 median earnings. The 47.9% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 76.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Fort Hays State University's Strengths
Ranked #865 with a B grade, Fort Hays State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Fort Hays State University excel at providing affordable education ($13,493 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Fort Hays State University's 76.8% retention and 47.9% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($44,428 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Fort Hays State University and $13,493 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 47.9% six-year graduation rate sits 14.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.8% first-year retention is 0.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -17.7% return on investment is 103.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $44,428 run about 2% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,493 is roughly $6,416 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.8% employment rate within three years sits 21.6 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 22.3% trails the national share by 11.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Fort Hays State University, a public university in Hays, KS, secures a B grade in our latest review. It appears at #865 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 76.8% retention and 47.9% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -17.7%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,493 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $19,114.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $5,621 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 22.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $44,428 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 2% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.8%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -17.7%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
91.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Fort Hays State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Hays, KS 67601-4099
- Website www.fhsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$137.2M