Business, Management, Marketing, at Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State's business graduates start strong at $54,142—outperforming both the national median and ranking in the 60th percentile among Kansas business programs—but earnings slip to $52,989 by year four. That 2% decline isn't catastrophic, but it suggests graduates may hit a ceiling earlier than peers at some competing schools. The $26,564 debt burden remains manageable with a first-year ratio of 0.49, meaning graduates earn roughly twice what they owe.

The value here is straightforward: Fort Hays delivers above-average starting salaries at exactly the median Kansas debt level for business programs. For families prioritizing affordability and immediate job placement over long-term growth potential, this works. The 92% admission rate and accessible price point make this a realistic option for students who might struggle to access more selective programs.

The earnings plateau is the key consideration. While Fort Hays graduates aren't falling behind dramatically, they're not gaining ground either. If your child plans to stay in Kansas or the region—where these credentials carry weight—the combination of solid starting pay and reasonable debt makes sense. But if they're aiming for corporate advancement or major metro markets, you'll want to compare carefully against programs where earnings show stronger growth trajectories.