Analysis
A math degree from Fort Hays State appears to position graduates near the national median, with first-year earnings estimated around $48,800βsquarely in line with what math majors typically earn across the country, and slightly above what similar programs in Kansas produce. The estimated debt load of about $21,500 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, which means graduates would owe roughly 44 cents for every dollar they earn in their first year. That's a manageable starting point, particularly for a STEM field where earnings growth tends to be strong.
What's harder to assess here is how Fort Hays State's program specifically prepares students relative to Kansas's flagship universities. The estimates suggest Fort Hays holds its own against programs at KU and K-State, but without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, it's impossible to know whether Fort Hays math majors land similar jobs or whether the open-admission environment affects career trajectories. The 92% admission rate means students enter with varied preparation levels, which could influence both completion rates and post-graduation opportunities.
The fundamentals look reasonable: modest debt and earnings aligned with national norms. But you're essentially betting on a program without a track record to review. If your child is academically prepared and knows they want to pursue mathematics-related careers, the numbers suggest a workable investment. Just recognize you're making that decision with less certainty than you'd have at programs with reported outcomes.
Where Fort Hays State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,633 | $48,772* | β | $21,498* | β | |
| $11,700 | $48,726* | β | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $10,942 | $43,067* | β | $21,250* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | β | $48,772* | β | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.