University of Kansas vs Fort Hays State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Kansas comes out ahead: 76/100 to 52/100, a 24-point edge over Fort Hays State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Fort Hays State University runs $12,569 a year against $18,059 at University of Kansas - $5,490 more a year, or about $21,960 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Kansas graduates earn a median $61,945 against $48,928 at Fort Hays State University. The cost earns itself back in 7.9 years at University of Kansas and 13.7 years at Fort Hays State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Fort Hays State University owing a median $21,000 versus $21,000 at University of Kansas. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.47 and 0.57 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Kansas | Fort Hays State Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,102 | $5,923 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $30,432 | $17,741 |
| Net Price (avg) | $18,059 | $12,569 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $72,236 | $50,276 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $45,100 | $36,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $61,945 | $48,928 |
| Graduation Rate | 68.8% | 47.7% |
| Payback Period | 7.9 yr | 13.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $21,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $223 | $223 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.47 | 0.57 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 77.1% | 76.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 72.4% | 66.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 93.5% | 90.3% |
| Enrollment | 21,217 | 9,733 |
| SAT Range | 1070-1300 | 970-1140 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Kansas | Fort Hays State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,544 | $7,661 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,942 | $9,776 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,154 | $11,941 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,169 | $14,266 |
| $110,001+ | $22,544 | $16,641 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Kansas | Fort Hays State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems | $87,704 | $55,111 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $86,453 | $64,524 |
| Accounting | $84,736 | $63,148 |
| Registered Nursing | $78,601 | $79,957 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $77,725 | $61,153 |
| International Relations | $61,839 | $72,384 |
| Marketing | $70,404 | $62,261 |
| Economics | $69,084 | $50,690 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $61,838 | $43,421 |
| Biology | $61,561 | $58,355 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $59,436 | $50,246 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $58,777 | $53,176 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $53,864 | $58,463 |
| Social Work | $55,582 | $53,549 |
| Psychology | $55,329 | $51,898 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Kansas | Fort Hays State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 79 | 61 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 77 | 42 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 79 | 59 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 77 | 34 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 61 | 58 |
| Overall ROI Score | 76 | 52 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Kansas clearly outperforms Fort Hays State University (76 vs 52), a 24-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Fort Hays State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Kansas.
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University of Kansas
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Fort Hays State University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.