Biology at Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State delivers something uncommon in biology: starting salaries that beat 80% of programs nationwide while keeping debt well below the national median. With first-year earnings of $37,134 and just $22,000 in typical debt, graduates face a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio—significantly better than many biology programs where students struggle with $30,000+ debt burdens and sub-$30,000 salaries.

The Kansas picture adds helpful nuance. While Fort Hays ranks solidly in the 60th percentile statewide, several Kansas programs edge it out—notably Cleveland University-Kansas City and KU. Still, Fort Hays graduates earn above the state median and maintain lower debt than the state average, a combination that matters more than raw ranking position. The 21% earnings growth to $44,899 by year four suggests decent career progression, though biology generally requires graduate degrees for major salary jumps.

For families evaluating this accessible regional university (92% admission rate), the math works: your graduate gets competitive early earnings without the debt burden that often makes biology degrees feel financially precarious. If your student is Kansas-bound and considering graduate school eventually, Fort Hays offers a financially sensible foundation rather than an expensive gamble.