Location: Hays, KS•In-State Tuition: $5,633•Out-of-State Tuition: $16,811•Admission Rate: 92%•Avg SAT: 1118
Median Earnings (1yr)
$57,162
58th percentile
Median Debt
$28,000
10% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.49 ManageableSample: 43 graduates

Analysis

Fort Hays State delivers solid tech earnings—$57,162 in year one—that exceed both national and Kansas medians for computer programming degrees. That 60th percentile ranking among Kansas programs matters here: with only two schools offering this degree in-state, you're looking at the stronger option for Kansas residents who want to stay close to home. The $28,000 debt load sits below the national median, though it's notably higher than Kansas's overall median for this program.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 translates to roughly six months of gross income, which represents a manageable starting point for a tech career. These graduates enter the workforce earning more than the typical programming graduate nationally while carrying less debt. The 92% admission rate means access isn't a barrier—students who might not get into more selective tech programs can still land respectable entry-level developer salaries.

The main limitation is that these are first-year numbers from a moderate sample size, so we can't see whether Fort Hays graduates match the earnings growth typical in tech careers. For Kansas families prioritizing in-state tuition and reasonable debt, this program offers a straightforward path into programming work with starting pay that covers the investment well. It won't rival elite CS programs, but it produces working programmers with manageable financial obligations.

Where Fort Hays State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming bachelors's programs nationally

Fort Hays State UniversityOther computer programming programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Fort Hays State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Fort Hays State University earns $57k — 58th percentile among computer programming bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Computer Programming bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fort Hays State UniversityHays$5,633$57,162—$28,0000.49
Southwestern CollegeWinfield$38,480$56,305—$6,5000.12
National Median—$50,242—$31,0500.62

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Network Support Specialists

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Fort Hays State University, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 43 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.