Fort Hays State University
FHSU
Hays, Kansas 67601-4099
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Fort Hays State University is a public institution in Hays with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1118, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 9.8K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
48% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $48,928 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $13,493.
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Tigers
History & Fun Facts
- •The institution was originally located on the grounds of Fort Hays, a frontier military outpost that was closed in 1889.
- •The first building closer to Hays was completed in 1904, at which time the university moved to its present location.
- •FHSU was first to be founded as an agricultural based school but was then determined to be a normal school.
- •During the Great Flood of 1951, Big Creek, a tributary of the Kansas River, flooded nearly all of campus, forcing a midnight evacuation.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1118
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
73.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.1%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,250
Programs (78)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
77%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
65
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from KS state average