Fort Hays State University
About Fort Hays State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Fort Hays State University is a public university in Hays, Kansas. It offers affordable education with a growing online enrollment alongside its traditional campus programs in business, education, health, and the sciences.
Founded
1902
Location
Hays, Kansas
Students
12,439
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
90.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
47.7%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$5,923
Out-of-state: $17,741
Avg Net Price
$12,569
After financial aid
SAT Average
1089
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$48,928
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$30
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Fort Hays State University accepts the majority of applicants at 90.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1089/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
47.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
76.9%
4-Year Grad
29%
6-Year Grad
50%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
51.5%
$/Student
$6.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 29% graduation rate is below average, but 76.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$5,923
In-State
$17,741
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,120
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,909
After Financial Aid
$12,569
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$7,661
Receive Grants
22.8%
Take Loans
24.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $19,909/yr for in-state students, including $9,120 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $12,569. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $17,741.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Fort Hays State University fund their education.
While in School
22.8%
Get Grants
Free money
24.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$42,453
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$223/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 24.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Fort Hays State University.
Gender
62%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
9,733
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,706
Graduates
38.5%
First-Gen
26 yrs
Avg Age
23.9%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 26, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 38.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
9,733
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Fort Hays State University fields 10 varsity teams with 616 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Mid-America
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
616
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
64% / 36%
395
Men
221
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Fort Hays State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$48,928
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$47K
409 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$52K
381 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$51K
230 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$42K
143 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$43K
141 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$67K
131 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $49K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Hays State University
What is the acceptance rate at Fort Hays State University?▾
How much does Fort Hays State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Fort Hays State University?▾
How much do Fort Hays State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.