Engineering Technology at Fort Hays State University

Based on comparable engineering technology programs nationwide, Fort Hays State produces graduates earning around $60,500 in their first year—a figure that lands right at the national median and slightly above what similar programs in Kansas typically deliver. The estimated debt load of $26,325 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. This positions Fort Hays competitively against Kansas State ($61,696) while offering a clearer advantage over Wichita State's outcomes ($52,066).

The caveat here is significant: these figures are drawn from peer programs because Fort Hays doesn't enroll enough engineering technology graduates for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. That small cohort size could signal limited program resources, fewer industry connections, or simply a niche offering in a rural Kansas setting. Engineering technology graduates generally need hands-on experience and employer relationships to launch careers, and program size often correlates with internship opportunities and alumni networks.

For families weighing this option, the estimated financials look reasonable—debt that shouldn't overwhelm early-career earnings in a field with solid demand. But reach out directly to Fort Hays to understand their placement rates, employer partnerships, and what specific engineering technology concentration they emphasize. The numbers suggest a viable path, but the small graduate pool means you'll need to verify that this particular program delivers what the national estimates promise.