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Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public

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91.8%
Acceptance
1080
SAT
$24,284
Sticker Price
$12,389
Net Price*
$48,928
Earnings
3.6 yrs
Payback
2,174
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

Apply Now Admissions Info Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

What is Fort Hays State University's acceptance rate?

Down 0.5 percentage points since 2018

With a 91.8% acceptance rate, Fort Hays State University is considered accessible. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Fort Hays State University?

Fort Hays State University received 2,174 applications in 2023, down 1% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 44% is strong for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Fort Hays State University?

Finance and Financial Management Services leads as the most popular major at Fort Hays State University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Fort Hays State University?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 15% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 17% from $20,718 to $24,284.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Fort Hays State University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $57,461 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $57,461
$6,765 $121,294
Management Information Systems... $57,318
$6,765 $121,294
Industrial Production Technolo... $48,849
$6,765 $121,294
Allied Health Diagnostic, Inte... $48,432
$6,765 $121,294
Information Science/Studies $47,846
$6,765 $121,294
Business/Commerce, General $47,260
$6,765 $121,294
Accounting and Related Service... $40,188
$6,765 $121,294
Business Administration, Manag... $38,787
$6,765 $121,294
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Fort Hays State University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 2,174 1,995 91.8% 44.4%
2022 1,828 1,609 88.0% 51.3%
2021 1,997 1,804 90.3% 52.9%
2020 1,920 1,754 91.3% 52.0%
2019 2,056 1,874 91.1% 52.6%
2018 2,191 2,022 92.3% 49.3%
2017 2,294 2,033 88.6% 51.4%
2016 2,126 1,929 90.7% 51.0%
2015 2,337 2,007 85.9% 47.9%

Is Fort Hays State University worth it?

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What do Fort Hays State University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$48,928
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$11,600 $48,928 median $69,000

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $11,600 while the top 10% earn $69,000. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$44,428
Median Debt
$21,000
6-Year Graduation Rate
47.9%

How much does Fort Hays State University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Fort Hays State University is approximately $24,284 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$4,140
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,580
Fees
$1,290
Room & Board
$8,414
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,284

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $9,964
$30-48k income $10,228
$48-75k income $12,389
$75-110k income $16,573
$110k+ income $16,847

Which majors pay the most?

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $57,461
  • Management Information Systems and Services $57,318
  • Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $48,849
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $48,432
  • Information Science/Studies $47,846

Who attends Fort Hays State University?

Fort Hays State University enrolls 12,843 students, with 2% from outside the United States. Women make up 63% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 12,843
Retention Rate 77%
International 2%
Women 63%
Race/Ethnicity
White 55%
Hispanic 5%
Black 3%
Asian 2%

How much financial aid is available?

40% of students receive some form of financial aid at Fort Hays State University. About 22% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 40%
Avg: $5,313 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 22%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 27%
Avg: $6,411
School's Own Grants 78%
Avg: $4,038 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Fort Hays State University are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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