Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Fort Hays State University

A bachelor's in computer technology from Fort Hays State comes with an estimated debt load of $25,000—notably lower than the $47,579 median across Kansas programs in this field. While the earnings figure of approximately $58,000 is drawn from national peer programs rather than Fort Hays graduates specifically, that debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 suggests manageable repayment regardless. At those levels, annual loan payments would consume roughly 5% of pre-tax income on a standard 10-year plan, leaving breathing room even if actual starting salaries fall somewhat short.

What works in this program's favor is the combination of accessible admission (92% acceptance rate) and conservative borrowing. Computer technology roles typically offer clear career paths and steady demand, and similar programs nationally produce graduates earning in the mid-to-high $50,000s their first year. The question is whether Fort Hays's specific outcomes align with those national patterns—smaller programs sometimes struggle with employer connections or curriculum currency that larger tech-focused schools maintain more easily.

The practical bottom line: the estimated debt burden here won't trap your child even if their starting salary comes in below the national benchmark. However, you're making this decision without visibility into how Fort Hays graduates specifically fare in the job market. That unknown matters more in technology fields where program quality varies widely. If your child has stronger academic credentials or tech aptitude, compare what larger Kansas universities or targeted tech programs might offer in terms of employer pipelines and specialization options.