Agriculture at Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State's agriculture program launches graduates into solid starting salaries—$48,048 puts them well above the $39,438 national median for ag programs and in the 85th percentile nationally. The manageable $20,340 debt load creates a favorable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first year's salary. But there's a puzzle here: earnings drop 11% by year four, falling to $42,551. This backward trajectory is unusual and worth understanding before committing.

The earnings decline might reflect graduates transitioning from higher-paying corporate ag positions to farm ownership or management roles that show lower W-2 income but may include equity or land assets not captured in earnings data. It could also signal graduates moving into extension work, education, or other agriculture-adjacent fields. Without additional Kansas programs for comparison, it's hard to know if this pattern is normal for the regional ag economy or specific to Fort Hays outcomes.

The numbers still work financially—even at year four, graduates earn more than the national median for ag programs, and the low debt burden means monthly payments won't strain budgets. If your student plans to return to a family operation or values the flexibility to pursue different ag careers, Fort Hays delivers solid preparation at a reasonable cost. Just make sure they understand their earnings path may not follow the typical upward climb.