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Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS·Public·9,792 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 9,792 students.

92%
Accept
9,792
Students
$13,493
Net Price
48%
Grad Rate
$42,700
Earnings
10 yr
$14,250
Debt

About This School

Fort Hays State University is a public institution located in Hays, Kansas with approximately 9,792 undergraduate students enrolled. Fort Hays State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 92%. The average net price after financial aid is $13,493 per year. The graduation rate is 48%, and the typical graduate earns $42,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public university in Hays, Kansas, United States. It is the largest university in western Kansas, and the fourth largest of the six state universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents, with a total enrollment of approximately 15,100 students.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $13,493/year average net cost and only $14,250 in median debt at graduation, FHSU is genuinely affordable — and for students in western Kansas seeking a practical, low-risk degree path, that matters. However, the 48% graduation rate is a real concern, meaning roughly half of students who start here don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan to stay on track, but come in with eyes open about the completion challenges many students face.

Founded
1902
Setting
Remote town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing37%
Social Sciences11%
Education9%
Health Professions9%
Computer Science5%
Psychology4%
English4%
Biological Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Mickey SpillaneJerry MoranJohn L. Allen Jr.Sheila FrahmMike McCarthy

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1118
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile600

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$5,633
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,811
Avg Net Price
$13,493
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants22%
Median debt at graduation$14,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
48%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
77%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White49%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (9,792 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Fort Hays State University

600 Park St

Hays, KS 67601-4099

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Kansas

Browse all Kansas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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