At $13,493/yr net price, Fort Hays State University graduates earn $48,928/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,928/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,493 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,972 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,928/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,928/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,964/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,228/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,389/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,573/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,847/yr |
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 | |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $48,432 | $24,840 |
The Risk Factor
47.8% of students at Fort Hays State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Fort Hays State University delivers solid financial returns for a regional Kansas public university, with a low net price of $13,493 and manageable median debt of $21,000. Your earnings potential varies dramatically by program choice.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $82,440 annually in the top track and $57,461 in another. Management Information Systems also pays well at $57,318 with reasonable debt loads. Communication Disorders rounds out the strong earners at $55,512. These programs justify your investment quickly given the school's affordable cost structure.
The 47.8% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their degree, making them vulnerable to debt without credential benefits. The 76.84% retention rate suggests many students transfer rather than drop out entirely, but this still means increased time and cost to degree completion.
Fort Hays works best financially if you choose one of the high-earning programs and can complete your degree within four years. The school makes less sense if you're undecided about your major or considering lower-earning fields where the regional job market may limit opportunities.
With only 22.27% of students receiving federal financial aid, many families pay the sticker price. This suggests either a student body with higher family incomes or limited need-based aid availability. Merit scholarships may be available but appear less prevalent than at comparable institutions.
The combination of low costs and strong programs in healthcare and technology makes Fort Hays a smart financial choice for Kansas residents targeting these fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Hays State University worth the cost?
Fort Hays State University offers reasonable value with a low net price of $13,493 annually and modest debt levels around $21,000. However, the 48% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who don't complete their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Fort Hays State University?
Nursing programs at Fort Hays State lead earnings at over $57,000-$82,000 annually, well above the school's overall graduate average of $48,928. Management Information Systems also shows strong returns at $57,318, while many other programs fall below the institutional average.
How much student debt do Fort Hays State University graduates have?
Fort Hays State graduates carry a median debt of $21,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. The relatively low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing reasonable, though earnings potential varies significantly by major.
Does Fort Hays State University have a good return on investment?
Fort Hays State's ROI depends heavily on program choice and graduation. Nursing and some technical fields offer solid returns, but the low graduation rate and modest overall earnings of $48,928 limit value for many students.