Fort Hays State University vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fort Hays State University is larger than Central Washington University based on total student enrollment (12,878 students vs. 10,811 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fort Hays State University is located in Hays, KS (Remote Town setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Fort Hays State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fort Hays State University 15:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Fort Hays State University vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fort Hays State University or Central Washington University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Fort Hays State University than Central Washington University ($13,186 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fort Hays State University are 44.7% lower than at Central Washington University ($9,120 vs. $16,480).
• Central Washington University is 59% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fort Hays State University (about $3,494 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $5,923.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.2% higher at Central Washington University than at Fort Hays State University (about $9,785 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $17,741.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fort Hays State University than at Central Washington University (92% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Washington University students is 30.6% larger than aid received by Fort Hays State University students ($8,816 vs. $6,751).

Fort Hays State University vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fort Hays State University or Central Washington University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Central Washington University and Fort Hays State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fort Hays State University (1060) is 20 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Fort Hays State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fort Hays State University 970/1140; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fort Hays State University 18/24; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fort Hays State University - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fort Hays State University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Fort Hays State University (90.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.8% at Fort Hays State University vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Fort Hays State University vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fort Hays State University and Central Washington University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Fort Hays State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Fort Hays State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have a $19 lower median loan debt than Central Washington University graduates ($20,718 vs. $20,737).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Central Washington University and Fort Hays State University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($214 vs. $214).
• More Fort Hays State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.