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
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 91.8%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
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
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
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
⏳ 9 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. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.65-3.85 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.15 and 3.45, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
FHSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at FHSU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.45, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
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
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- 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 Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at FHSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Fort Hays State University's verified institutional data
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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
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into FHSU Without SAT or ACT?
Fort Hays State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Fort Hays State University Average SAT Score: 1118
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Fort Hays State University is 1118 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1118 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1118 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1200 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Fort Hays State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 970, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at FHSU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
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 |
It means that if you have scored less than 970 then you are below most of the admitted students at FHSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1200 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Fort Hays State University (FHSU) with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) are good but the admission staff at FHSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at FHSU is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Fort Hays State University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
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?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Fort Hays State University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Fort Hays State University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Fort Hays State University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Fort Hays State University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for FHSU
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
FHSU provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
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?
Getting into FHSU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. FHSU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at FHSU is $50,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.61%.
How much does a degree from FHSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Fort Hays State University is $19,114. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Fort Hays State University is $13,493.
22.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 27 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to FHSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Fort Hays State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist FHSU as your choice in the form.
How much does a FHSU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $48,928. An average FHSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
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
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $48,928 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $19,114 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
22.3% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Fort Hays State University is 91.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.45. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.15, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.15, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.05 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.45, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Fort Hays State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1118 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 970–1200.
The application deadline for Fort Hays State University is August 1. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee for Fort Hays State University is 30. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is February 15, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.