Hays, KS · Private University
Is Fort Hays State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$48,928
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$5,633
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,811
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$67,244
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.91x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
47.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$13,493
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Fort Hays State University graduates earn $3,928 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Fort Hays State University ranked by graduate earnings
194 graduates
82 graduates
43 graduates
127 graduates
17 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Fort Hays State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Fort Hays State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $65,460) and the lowest (Political Science and Government: $30,454) is $35,006/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $65,460 | 3.9x |
| Marketing | $60,743 | 3.6x |
| Information Science/Studies | $59,087 | 3.5x |
| Computer Programming(1yr data) | $57,162 | 3.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $56,478 | 3.4x |
| Management Information Systems and Services(1yr data) | $55,111 | 3.3x |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | $52,989 | 3.1x |
| Economics(1yr data) | $50,690 | 3.0x |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $46,914 | 2.8x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $46,515 | 2.8x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $46,180 | 2.8x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $45,811 | 2.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $45,225 | 2.7x |
| Biology, General | $44,899 | 2.7x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $44,419 | 2.6x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,024 | 2.6x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences(1yr data) | $43,421 | 2.6x |
| Social Work | $43,125 | 2.6x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $43,029 | 2.6x |
| Chemistry | $42,980 | 2.6x |
| Sociology | $42,654 | 2.5x |
| Agriculture, General | $42,551 | 2.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,703 | 2.5x |
| Psychology, General | $40,608 | 2.4x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management(1yr data) | $34,004 | 2.0x |
| Political Science and GovernmentLowest(1yr data) | $30,454 | 1.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Fort Hays State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $48,928 10 years after starting, $3,928 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.8 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.