Public Institution

Fort Hays State University — Hays, Kansas

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Annual Tuition $5,633

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 91.8%

Open Admission

Enrollment 9,792

Active Students

Avg. Salary $48,928

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Hays, Kansas
Institution type Public
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Fort Hays State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Hays, providing a robust academic foundation for 9,792 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Fort Hays State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Fort Hays State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing
37.2%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
10.9%

Enrollment Share

Education
9.4%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
8.6%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
6.7%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
5.2%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Fort Hays State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Fort Hays State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 91.8%
Difficulty Low

Fort Hays State University maintains an acceptance rate of 91.8%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 38.9%
Women Enrollment 61.1%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 490 - 600
SAT Mathematics 480 - 600
ACT English 18 - 24
ACT Mathematics 17 - 25
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Fort Hays State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $5,633
Out-of-State Tuition $16,811

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 22.3%
Median Student Debt $21,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $5,633, graduates see a median starting salary of $48,928, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Kansas.

What salary can Fort Hays State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $48,928

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 47.9%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $13,493
Median Salary (6yr) $44,428
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Fort Hays State University in Hays?

9,792 Students

Gender Comparison

38.9% Men
61.1% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

76.8%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.3%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
1.6%
Black
2.5%
White
48.8%
Unknown
36.7%
Hispanic
5.7%
Two or More Races
2.5%
International
1.9%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 26
🎓
First-Generation 38.5%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 63.3%
🎖️
Veterans 0.9%
💍
Married Students 24.5%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 39.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $50,801
Average Family Income $51,288
Median Family Income $42,453

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

51.4%
48.6%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Hays Campus Environment

Located at 600 Park St, Fort Hays State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Kansas. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Fort Hays State University

Is Fort Hays State University a good college in Hays, Kansas?
Fort Hays State University is a recognized institution in Hays with an enrollment of 9,792 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Kansas.
Is Fort Hays State University worth attending in 2026?
That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $48,928 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does Fort Hays State University cost for Kansas residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Fort Hays State University is approximately $5,633. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $16,811. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Fort Hays State University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Fort Hays State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 63.3% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Fort Hays State University good for Business & Marketing and Social Sciences programs?
Fort Hays State University reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Social Sciences. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.
What career can I get after attending Fort Hays State University?
Graduates of Fort Hays State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $48,928, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Fort Hays State University?
Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Fort Hays State University's official admissions website.
Does Fort Hays State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Fort Hays State University's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can Fort Hays State University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Fort Hays State University earn a median salary of $48,928 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Fort Hays State University a good investment compared to other KS colleges?
Compare Fort Hays State University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Kansas to judge value for your goals.
Where is Fort Hays State University located and what is the campus like?
Fort Hays State University is located at 600 Park St in Hays, KS. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 9,792 learners.
Who typically attends Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS?
The student body at Fort Hays State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 38.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Kansas

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Fort Hays State University with other leading institutions in Kansas across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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