Finance and Financial Management Services at Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State's finance program sits in the middle of Kansas's competitive landscape, landing at the state median despite significantly lower debt than most alternatives. At $19,520, student borrowing here is roughly $4,000 less than the typical Kansas finance graduate carries—a meaningful advantage that translates to lower monthly payments and faster debt payoff. First-year earnings of $47,313 trail flagship universities like KU and K-State by about $10,000, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 remains very manageable.

The concerning signal is the negative earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn less four years out than immediately after college. This backwards growth pattern is unusual for finance professionals, who typically see steady salary increases as they build expertise and client relationships. However, the small sample size here—fewer than 30 tracked graduates—means this could reflect just a handful of individual career paths rather than a systematic program weakness.

For Kansas families seeking an affordable entry into finance careers, Fort Hays delivers lower upfront costs than most in-state options. The starting salary covers debt reasonably well, though the stagnant earnings growth suggests graduates may need to be more proactive about advancing into higher-paying roles or switching employers to capture the salary progression typical of finance careers elsewhere.