Fort Hays State University vs. KU

Comparable Facts

Compare Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS with University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kansas is larger than Fort Hays State University based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 12,878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fort Hays State University is located in Hays, KS (Remote Town setting); University of Kansas is in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting).
• Fort Hays State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fort Hays State University 15:1; University of Kansas 18:1.

Fort Hays State University vs. KU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fort Hays State University or KU? 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 KU ($13,186 vs. $19,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fort Hays State University are 19.7% lower than at University of Kansas ($9,120 vs. $11,358).
• University of Kansas is 104.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fort Hays State University (about $6,179 more per year; $12,102.00 vs. $5,923.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.5% higher at KU than at Fort Hays State University (about $12,691 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $17,741.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fort Hays State University than at University of Kansas (92% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kansas students is 71% larger than aid received by Fort Hays State University students ($11,541 vs. $6,751).

Fort Hays State University vs. KU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fort Hays State University or KU? 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 KU and Fort Hays State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kansas (1190) is 130 points higher than at Fort Hays State University (1060).
• Incoming KU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Fort Hays State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fort Hays State University 970/1140; University of Kansas 1070/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fort Hays State University 18/24; University of Kansas 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fort Hays State University - Test optional; KU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Fort Hays State University (3.45).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Fort Hays State University (90.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.8% at Fort Hays State University vs. 25.5% at KU.

Fort Hays State University vs. KU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fort Hays State University and KU? 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).

• University of Kansas's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Fort Hays State University's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than Fort Hays State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kansas graduates have a $218 lower median loan debt than Fort Hays State University graduates ($20,500 vs. $20,718).
• Among borrowers, KU graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fort Hays State University graduates ($211 vs. $214).
• More KU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fort Hays State University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.