Welcome to Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University was founded in 1902 as the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School. The institution was originally located on the grounds of Fort Hays, a Nineteenth Century frontier military outpost. The state of Kansas initially intended the university’s academic programs to focus on agriculture, but it opened in as a “normal” or teacher’s college.
FHSU today is a regional comprehensive public university where determined, innovative and caring faculty and staff share a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring students. Our mission is to develop the engaged global citizen-leaders our world needs today. When you consider the quality of our academic programs, our unmatched affordability and the caring and supportive people who make the “Tiger Nation” special.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere


FHSU consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the American Midwest. A remarkable 95% of FHSU students secure jobs or higher education opportunities after they graduate. Employers tell us the combination of challenging academic programs, close faculty/student relationships, and the abundance of experiential learning opportunities our students enjoy while at FHSU set our students apart in a competitive job markets worldwide.
Unmatched Affordability
FHSU offers a world-class higher education experience at an unbeatable price. Across-the-board, FHSU offers the best bang for your educational dollar.
Tuition and Fees at FHSU*
Tuition and fees per year for full-time undergraduate students
National Average: $9,687
Kansas Residents
KBOR Peer University Average: $8,327
FHSU: $5,450
Non-Residents
KBOR Peer University Average: $10,893
FHSU: $7,297
Tuition and fees per year for full-time graduate students
National Average: $30,000-$40,000
Kansas Residents
KBOR Peer University Average: $9,212
FHSU: $6,000
Non-Residents
KBOR Peer University Average: $21,018
FHSU: $15,165
*Tuition and fees for online and international students differ slightly. Review FHSU’s full tuition and fees schedule
Our Home in Hays, Kansas
Hays is located on the great plains of the American Midwest. Ours is a safe and friendly college town that offers great food, fun activities, live music and theatre performances, art exhibits, and cultural festivals.