Frequently Asked Questions
Tuition, fees, and textbooks are provided by the state of Kansas and KAMS for up to 64 credit hours total for students attending from a public school in Kansas. This is provided through state funding and state appropriations via the passing of Senate Bill 139. KAMS also loans a laptop computer and textbooks to each Kansas public school student to use during the academic year. Private school students, students attending from schools/programs that do not receive Kansas base state aid, out-of-state students, and international students are responsible for all program costs. Please see our FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE page for additional information.
Due to being high school students, KAMS students are not eligible to apply for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA). KAMS does provide a few scholarship options to domestic students to assist with the financial obligations of the program. Please see our FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE page for additional information.
Students are required to enroll in a meal plan when living on campus. Students are given three different options for a meal plan. All KAMS students are required to choose the Open Access plan during their first semester. Please see FHSU Dining for more information regarding meal plans.
Yes, students currently attending private high schools in Kansas may apply to KAMS. Please contact the Director for more information.
No, KAMS was built and implemented as a two-year program. Students must begin KAMS at the start of their junior (11th) grade year of high school. We cannot admit a student for a junior or senior year only. Once a student begins their junior year at their high school, they are no longer qualified to apply to or attend KAMS.
Yes! Domestic students from other states can visit our Academy of Mathematics and Science webpage for out-of-state student application and admission information. Note that out-of-state students are responsible for all program costs.
We highly encourage any interested student and their family visit KAMS/AMS to see what life is like as an Academy student. There are a couple of different ways to visit:
- Preview Day: This official visit day is an opportunity for students and families to learn about all things KAMS! Preview Day is held once every fall, usually on a Saturday. Students and guests will spend a full day on the FHSU campus learning about the KAMS application process, admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, research perks, and more. Attendees will receive a tour of campus and the Academy's residential facility and hear from faculty, staff, and current KAMS students about their experiences.
- Personalized Campus Visit (On-Campus or Virtual): Students and families have the option to schedule a personalized campus visit to KAMS on any day of the week (Monday-Friday). At a virtual visit, students will be sent a link to tour the FHSU campus virtually. You will also receive a private Zoom meeting with a KAMS staff member to discuss the program. On-campus visits will include a walking tour of the FHSU campus and Academy living facility and a meeting with a KAMS staff member. To schedule your visit, please contact our office.
Yes, KAMS students are integrated directly into the academic community at FHSU with traditional college students.
Yes! One of the most exciting things that KAMS offers is the opportunity for early college students to work with Ph.D. faculty on research projects.
KAMS students live in the uniquely dedicated Custer Hall on the FHSU campus. Custer Hall was renovated specifically for KAMS/AMS and includes space for the KAMS/AMS offices and living quarters for the students. The hall features special security measures, such as locked entrances and exits, cameras at the entrance/exit of each floor and in each common area.
For a list of suggested items to bring, please click here.
The safety of KAMS/AMS students is a top priority for the KAMS & FHSU staff. Access to the Academy's residential hall is limited during the evenings and all day on weekends. Access to residential floors is restricted. Access to the residential wings that are separated by gender is also restricted. Students have curfews they must meet each evening and they are required to check in and out when leaving campus. If students choose to go home for the weekend or at any time (as needed), a parent/guardian must complete paperwork 48 hours in advance to give their student permission to leave campus overnight.
KAMS/AMS has an Academic Advisor/School Counselor on staff to help students with their academic needs, registration in FHSU courses, and the college search & selection process. The KAMS/AMS Personal Counselor, in conjunction with FHSU's Health & Wellness Services Office, will offer help with the typical challenges faced by students new to college, such as homesickness, stress, anxiety, etc. The FHSU campus also features a variety of tutoring services, a Writing Center, Career Exploration department, and Student Health Office.
Yes, but only with parent/guardian permission. Parking is available on campus and around the Academy living facility. Parking permits are required for all vehicles parked on campus.
KAMS understands the integral role of student organizations and activities in student life. KAMS students are able to form their own clubs and/or join one or more of FHSU's 120 student organizations. KAMS students are now permitted to participate in KSHSAA-sanctioned high school athletics or activities, and KAMS students can participate in FHSU's intramural activities if they are interested in remaining physically active during their time in the program.
KAMS students are not permitted to join FHSU's greek life or NCAA athletic teams.
KAMS students interested in working on or off campus must receive approval from the Director prior to starting or continuing employment.
To SHIP (UPS/FED EX/ETC) to a student please send it to:
Student Name
Custer Hall Room #
420 Custer Drive
Hays, KS 67601
To MAIL (POST OFFICE) to a student please send it to:
Student Name
1 Custer Hall
Custer Hall Room #
Hays, KS 67601
To SHIP (UPS/FED EX/ETC) to a KAMS staff member please send it to:
FHSU/KAMS
420 Custer Drive
Custer Hall 241
Hays, KS 67601
To MAIL (POST OFFICE) to a KAMS staff member please send it to:
FHSU/KAMS
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601