Sociology at Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State produces sociology graduates who earn more than 80% of similar programs nationwide, but they're paying a premium for that outcome. The median debt of $33,482 exceeds both the national benchmark ($25,000) and Kansas state average ($27,000) by significant margins, though the earnings of $38,075 do outpace the national median by $4,000. Still, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88, graduates are carrying nearly a full year's salary in loans—higher than ideal, even if technically manageable.

Within Kansas, the picture is more complicated. Fort Hays sits squarely in the middle of state programs for earnings (60th percentile), trailing flagship options like Kansas State ($42,985) and KU ($42,703) but ahead of regional competitors like Emporia State. The earnings growth of 12% over four years is respectable but modest, and graduates can expect their debt burden to feel less onerous as income rises into the low-$40,000s.

For families focused on sociology specifically, this isn't a bad choice—the earnings are solid—but the debt load demands scrutiny. If your student can reduce borrowing through scholarships or part-time work, Fort Hays becomes more compelling. Otherwise, compare the actual net cost here against Kansas's flagship universities, which deliver meaningfully higher earnings for what might be similar or even lower total debt depending on financial aid packages.