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Colleges / KS / Hays
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Fort Hays State University

Public Hays, KS · Town · Plains · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
48%
Graduation Rate
$48,928
Earnings (10yr)
$12,569
Net Price
90%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Nearly 10,000 students call Fort Hays State University home, making it a vibrant hub of learning in Hays, Kansas. With a 90% acceptance rate, this public university welcomes a diverse range of students, creating an inclusive environment for academics and personal growth.

Data from Opportunity Insights indicates that graduates from Fort Hays experience a median income of $48,928 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the university's role in enhancing economic mobility, although specific metrics like graduation and mobility rates show room for improvement. The graduation rate stands at 48%, suggesting that students may face challenges in completing their degrees.

Finances play a critical role in student decisions. The average net price for attending Fort Hays is $12,569, with median debt at $21,000. Graduates emerge ready to enter the workforce, particularly in fields such as Business, Education, and Health Professions. This environment suits students who appreciate affordability and are focused on practical career outcomes.

Rankings

How Fort Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation48%Earnings 10yr$49KNet Price$13KRetention77%Median Debt$21KPell Grant Rate23%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$8K$0-30K$10K$30-48K$12K$48-75K$17K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%725.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1872.2%MOBILITY135.85%

Cost & Financial Aid

$5,923
In-State Tuition
$17,741
Out-of-State
$12,569
Avg Net Price
$21,000
Median Debt
23%
Pell Grant Rate
24%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$7,661
Family Income $0–$30K
$9,776
Family Income $30K–$48K
$11,941
Family Income $48K–$75K
$16,641
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$44,428
6 Years After Entry
$46,876
8 Years
$48,928
10 Years
0.43x
Debt-to-Earnings
67%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$44,428 6yr $46,876 8yr $48,928 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

135.85%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1872.2%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
725.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$71,100
Parent Median Income

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 90%
Retention Rate 77%
SAT Average 1089
SAT Range 970–1140
ACT Range 18–24
Full-Time Faculty 51%
Faculty Salary (mo) $7,997
Diversity Index 0.75
First-Gen Students 39%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 32%
Education 12%
Health Professions 10%
Social Sciences 8%
Humanities 7%
Computer Science & IT 6%
Psychology 4%
English & Literature 4%