Business Administration, Management and Operations at Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State's business program delivers something increasingly rare: solid earnings at a manageable debt level. With graduates earning $52,129 in their first year against just $27,000 in debt, the 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio means students can realistically pay off loans in about two years of focused repayment. That's a comfortable starting point that beats 73% of business programs nationwide and sits right in the middle of Kansas options.

The program performs respectably within Kansas, landing at the 60th percentile among 28 schools offering business degrees in the state. While it doesn't match the top-tier earnings at schools like Southwestern College or Baker University (which push near $60,000), Fort Hays holds its own at about $500 above the state median. The 8% earnings growth to $56,478 by year four suggests steady career progression, though the pace is moderate rather than explosive.

For families weighing Fort Hays against pricier private schools or flagship programs, the value proposition is straightforward: your student will earn respectably from day one without carrying crushing debt. The 92% admission rate means it's accessible, and the combination of solid earnings with below-average debt (25th percentile nationally) makes this a financially sound choice. You're not getting elite-tier outcomes, but you're getting a business degree that pays for itself quickly—and that matters more than prestige for most graduates.