Psychology at Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State graduates Psychology majors earning $40,009 right after graduation—nearly $3,500 above the Kansas median and a remarkable $8,500 above the national median for this field. That 95th percentile national ranking is particularly impressive for a program at an open-admission regional university. The $29,000 debt load sits slightly above both state and national medians, but the strong initial earnings create a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio that beats most Psychology programs nationwide.

The catch is minimal earnings growth: just $600 over four years, suggesting graduates may be hitting a ceiling in entry-level roles. Still, starting at $40,000 provides meaningful breathing room compared to typical Psychology bachelor's holders, who often struggle in the low $30,000s. At the 60th percentile among Kansas programs, Fort Hays actually outperforms the University of Kansas and sits just below the Ottawa University system.

For families concerned about Psychology's reputation as a financially risky major, Fort Hays offers a compelling counter-example. Your child would graduate with debt below the national average for this degree while earning significantly more than peers elsewhere, giving them real financial flexibility whether they enter the workforce directly or pursue graduate education. The limited salary progression means career planning matters, but the foundation here is unusually solid.