Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Hays, Kansas
91.8% Acceptance Rate
Fort Hays State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
91.8%Acceptance Rate
3.45Avg GPA
1118Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$19,114Annual Cost
$48,928Grad Salary
22.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
91.8%
Avg GPA
3.45
Avg SAT
1118
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
970–1200
ACT Middle 50%
19–25
Avg Net Price
$13,493
Need-Based Aid
22.3% receive Pell
Fort Hays State University (KS) is a public university known for its commitment to affordability and accessibility. Admissions evaluate academic record and the ability to thrive in a supportive, student-focused environment. They look for motivated individuals who are eager to use the university's wide array of educational resources.
Fort Hays State University Acceptance Rate
Admission at Fort Hays State University is inclusive by design. 91.8% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 91.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.45 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.25 – 3.44
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.00
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Fort Hays State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Fort Hays State University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of August 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 355 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
FHSU reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority
August 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
FHSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at FHSU is 3.45. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.15–3.45 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.65–3.85.FHSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.45 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.25 – 3.44
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.05 – 3.24
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.04
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Virtual College charges a flat per-credit rate regardless of residency (~$218/credit for associate/bachelor's level), serving 6,000+ students compared to ~4,000 on-campus; the diploma does not distinguish Virtual College from on-campus completion
- Admission follows Kansas's Qualified Admissions framework (Pre-College Curriculum completion) rather than a primary GPA/test cutoff; GED test-takers post-2014 need a 580+ score
- Test-optional policy specifically exempts non-traditional students age 21+ and transfer students with 24+ credits/2.0+ GPA from any standardized testing requirement
- BS in Medical Diagnostic Imaging is a 64-credit, 2.5-year online completion track specifically for already-certified ARRT professionals - not a from-scratch undergraduate entry point
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at FHSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Fort Hays State University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at FHSU. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into FHSU Without SAT or ACT?
FHSU considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Fort Hays State University Average SAT Score: 1118
Admitted students at Fort Hays State University average a 1118 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1118 — Less Competitive
A 1118 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1200 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Fort Hays State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 970? A retake is worth it at FHSU. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 540 | 480 | 600 |
| SAT Reading | 545 | 490 | 600 |
| SAT Composite | 1118 | 970 | 1200 |
A score under 970 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1200+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Fort Hays State University (FHSU) with a 1200 SAT?
At 1200, your SAT is squarely in FHSU's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) ACT Requirements
FHSU's admitted students average an ACT of 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 22 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 21 | 18 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 25 |
Can I get into Fort Hays State University with a 25 ACT?
At 25, you're in the top quarter of FHSU's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, FHSU weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for FHSU
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
FHSU provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about using available resources well and planning your longer-term academic or career path.
Decide between on-campus and Virtual College tracks deliberately - they're priced and structured entirely differently
FHSU's Virtual College charges a flat per-credit rate ($218/credit for associate/bachelor's courses as of recent pricing) regardless of state residency, while on-campus enrollment uses traditional resident/non-resident/MSEP tuition tiers (roughly $175/credit resident vs. $511/credit non-resident) - meaning an out-of-state student could pay dramatically less through Virtual College than through on-campus enrollment for the same degree. A non-Kansas family should explicitly compare both tracks' total costs before assuming on-campus is the default or "more real" option, since the price gap is substantial and the diploma itself doesn't distinguish Virtual College from on-campus completion (the words "FHSU Online" never appear on the degree).
Use the Kansas Qualified Admissions Pre-College Curriculum requirement as the actual admission gate - test scores are secondary
FHSU follows Kansas's Qualified Admissions framework requiring completion of a defined Pre-College Curriculum (or its equivalent) rather than relying primarily on a GPA or test-score cutoff; GED test-takers after 2014 need a score of 580+ to qualify. A student or family should confirm the specific Pre-College Curriculum course list with an FHSU counselor and check the high school transcript against it directly, rather than assuming a strong GPA alone satisfies Kansas's admission framework.
If 24+ years old or holding 24+ transfer credits at a 2.0+ GPA, skip standardized testing entirely - FHSU's policy explicitly waives it for these groups
FHSU's test-optional policy specifically exempts non-traditional students age 21+ and transfer students with 24+ credits and a 2.0+ GPA from any standardized testing requirement - a more generous and specific carve-out than a blanket "test-optional" label suggests. An adult learner or transfer student in this category should confirm this exemption applies to them directly rather than assuming they still need to submit ACT/SAT scores like a traditional freshman applicant.
For BS in Medical Diagnostic Imaging or similarly credentialed completion programs, confirm the specific transfer-track structure before enrolling
FHSU's BS in Medical Diagnostic Imaging is built as a 64-credit, 2.5-year online transfer track specifically for already-certified ARRT professionals - not a standalone undergraduate program a new student enters cold. A working ARRT-certified radiologic technologist should confirm their existing certification and credit history meet this specific completion-track structure before assuming the program functions like a traditional from-scratch bachelor's degree.
Expert Insight:
FHSU's near-open admission (90%+ acceptance) and no-required-essay general policy can create a false impression that the whole institution is equally low-stakes - but a non-resident student who defaults into on-campus enrollment without researching Virtual College's flat-rate pricing can end up paying roughly double for comparable coursework. The most consequential decision for a non-Kansas applicant isn't whether they'll be admitted (likely yes) but which enrollment track (on-campus vs. Virtual College) actually fits their budget and goals.
FHSU Profile
Full Name
Fort Hays State University (FHSU)
City
Hays
State
Kansas
ZIP Code
67601-4099
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a FHSU Degree Worth It?
Whether FHSU is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $50,800, and graduates see a 2.61% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from FHSU Cost?
Listed tuition runs $19,114/year at FHSU. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $13,493.
At FHSU, 22.3% receive a Pell Grant and 27% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming FHSU on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a FHSU Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, FHSU graduates report a median income of $48,928, about 21% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Fort Hays State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Fort Hays State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Fort Hays State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs at FHSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About FHSU Admissions
Fort Hays State University graduates earn a lower median salary of $48,928/year, especially outside technical fields.
Tuition at Fort Hays State University is relatively affordable, around $19,114/year.
22.3% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average. Fort Hays State University skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
Fort Hays State University's acceptance rate is 91.8%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Fort Hays State University students is 3.45, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.15 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Fort Hays State University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.05 or below makes admission tougher at Fort Hays State University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Fort Hays State University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1118, and within the 970–1200 range, keeps you competitive.
Fort Hays State University's deadline is August 1. Rolling Admissions applies too, so earlier is always better.
Fort Hays State University charges an application fee of 30; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before February 15, 2026. That's Fort Hays State University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.