Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.8%
- Retention Rate
- 76.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $48,928
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $82,440 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Master | $57,995 | $28,476 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,461 | $15,842 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $19,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,512 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,286 | $24,697 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Master | $51,829 | $24,600 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $51,392 | $22,766 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $48,849 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $25,500 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $48,432 | $24,840 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $47,846 | $23,747 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $45,778 | $27,127 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $44,356 | $32,037 |
Outcomes Overview
Fort Hays State graduates earn a median of $48,928 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments of $223 consume about 5.5% of typical graduate income, which is manageable compared to national averages. The median debt load of $21,000 represents less than half of first-year earnings, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. Many graduates enter teaching, healthcare, and business roles throughout Kansas and the region. The university's strong teacher preparation programs feed into steady employment markets. An employment rate of 94.1% reflects solid job placement outcomes. With affordable tuition and decent earning potential, Fort Hays State delivers an average return on investment for students seeking practical career preparation.