Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public regional university in Hays, Kansas, ranked #78 in Regional Universities Midwest by US News Best Colleges 2026. Founded in 1902, the university educates roughly 15,000 students across on-campus and online tracks, with the Virtual College (its distance-learning arm) serving thousands of international learners.
FHSU offers over 200 degree programmes in business, computer science, cybersecurity, education, nursing and applied sciences, all taught in English. Indian applicants can enter the Fall (September) or Spring (January) intake, on-campus or online, and the university reports roughly 4,242 international students on record. Compared with most universities in USA, tuition sits at the low end of the public-school range.
- US News Regional Universities Midwest 2026: #78
- Acceptance rate: 91% (least selective band, US News 2026)
- Intakes for Indian students: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer (online only)
- PG online tuition: $6,529/year (₹5.75 Lakh); on-campus non-resident $14,019/year (₹12.34 Lakh)
- Average starting salary of graduates: $48,928 (₹43.06 Lakh) per US Department of Education 2026 earnings data
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
The university keeps online and on-campus tuition separate. F-1 visa students enrolled on campus pay non-resident rates, while online enrollees pay the domestic online rate regardless of citizenship. FHSU accepts TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP and Duolingo scores, and the $50 application fee cannot be waived.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹88 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (Spring 2027 intake). The graduate application deadline is 01 October 2026 and the on-campus undergraduate deadline is 15 October 2026, with the online undergraduate track accepting applications until 15 November 2026. Fall 2027 applications are expected to open October 2026 with a 01 June 2027 close date on the same annual cycle.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Fort Hays State University 2027
- Fort Hays State University Admission 2027
- Fort Hays State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Fort Hays State University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Fort Hays State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Fort Hays State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Fort Hays State University Scholarships 2027
- Fort Hays State University Rankings 2027
- Fort Hays State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Fort Hays State University vs Peer Universities
- Fort Hays State University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Fort Hays State University 2027
FHSU fees follow a per-credit-hour model set by the Kansas Board of Regents. Master’s programmes typically run 30 to 36 credit hours over 2 years; bachelor’s programmes take 120 credit hours across 4 years. Online master’s programmes charge the domestic online rate ($362.73 per credit hour) for both Indian and US students, while campus-based non-residents pay $778.81 per credit hour.
Top PG Programmes at Fort Hays State University 2027
| Programme | 2-Year Total Fee (USD) | 2-Year Total Fee (₹ Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | $13,489 to $17,986 (online, differential rate) | ₹11.87 to 15.83 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MPS Cybersecurity | $13,058 (online) to $28,038 (on-campus) | ₹11.49 to 24.67 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MPS Computer Networking | $13,058 (online) to $28,038 (on-campus) | ₹11.49 to 24.67 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Communication Studies | $13,058 (online) to $28,038 (on-campus) | ₹11.49 to 24.67 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MA Art and Design | $13,058 (online) to $28,038 (on-campus) | ₹11.49 to 24.67 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
[Source: Fort Hays State University Graduate Tuition Schedule 2026-2027]
Top UG Programmes at Fort Hays State University 2027
Bachelor’s fees below cover 4 years of on-campus non-resident tuition and mandatory fees. Online undergraduate students pay the domestic online rate, which lowers total cost by nearly 60%.
| Programme | 4-Year Total Fee (USD) | 4-Year Total Fee (₹ Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science | $78,148 | ₹68.77 Lakh | Class 12 with 55% or GPA 2.5/4 (recommended) |
| BS Information Networking and Telecommunications | $78,148 | ₹68.77 Lakh | Class 12 with 55% or GPA 2.5/4 (recommended) |
| BS Applied Technology | $78,148 | ₹68.77 Lakh | Class 12 with 55% or GPA 2.5/4 (recommended) |
| BA Psychology | $78,148 | ₹68.77 Lakh | Class 12 with 55% or GPA 2.5/4 (recommended) |
| BA Communication (PR and Advertising) | $78,148 | ₹68.77 Lakh | Class 12 with 55% or GPA 2.5/4 (recommended) |
[Source: Fort Hays State University Student Fiscal Services 2026-2027]
Insider note: Indian students overwhelmingly choose the online MPS in Cybersecurity, online MBA and online MS in Computer Networking at FHSU, because the domestic online rate cuts total programme cost by more than half against on-campus non-resident pricing.
Read More: Fort Hays State University Fees and Programmes Guide
Fort Hays State University Admission 2027
FHSU admission for Indian applicants runs on three intakes: Fall (August), Spring (January) and a Summer (May) window that is limited to online undergraduate applicants. Spring is the next active cycle. The graduate school and the international admissions office review applications separately, so PG and UG timelines can differ by up to two weeks.
Fort Hays State University UG and PG Admission Dates 2027
Confirmed dates below come from the FHSU International Admissions calendar and the FHSU Graduate School office.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 PG deadline | 01 October 2026 | Hard deadline for all graduate programmes across on-campus and online |
| Spring 2027 UG on-campus deadline | 15 October 2026 | Required for I-20 issuance and F-1 visa interview slot |
| Spring 2027 UG online deadline | 15 November 2026 | Applies only to the FHSU Virtual College track, no I-20 needed |
| Credential verification (WES or equivalent) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation is not mandatory but many programmes request it |
| Fall 2027 UG on-campus deadline | Expected 01 June 2027 (based on 2026 cycle) | Primary intake for Indian on-campus applicants pursuing STEM tracks |
[Source: Fort Hays State University International Admissions Office]
Planning note: The FHSU application fee is a flat $50 (₹4,400) that cannot be waived for any applicant category. Pay it once your transcripts and English score are ready, since the fee locks the application file open.
Read More: Fort Hays State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Fort Hays State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
FHSU admission requirements for Indian students are lighter than most US publics, with no SAT, no GRE and no GMAT required for the majority of programmes. The bar is set on GPA, English proficiency and financial documentation.
Graduate Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree: 4-year Indian bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); official transcripts mailed to the Registrar’s Office
- English test scores: TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS Academic 6.5 or iTEP 3.9 or Duolingo 110; Institutional TOEFL and TOEFL Essentials are not accepted
- Credential verification: WES or equivalent evaluation on request; certified bank statement mailed to the International Student Services Office
- Standout requirement: No GRE or GMAT for most programmes; some MPS tracks may request professional references. Applicants targeting an MBA in USA at FHSU should confirm exact requirements with the College of Business.
Undergraduate Requirements
- Class 12 completion: Class 12 with 55% or GPA 2.5/4 (recommended), verified through original mailed transcripts
- English test scores: TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS 5.5 or iTEP 3.6 or Duolingo 95, or successful completion of TLC Level 9
- Financial proof: Certified bank statement covering one full year of estimated expenses
Key insight: FHSU does not accept the Institutional TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials or institutional completion scores. Indian applicants must sit the official TOEFL iBT, an IELTS Academic slot, iTEP or Duolingo. Book the test at least 6 weeks before your target deadline.
Fort Hays State University Acceptance Rate 2027
Fort Hays State University acceptance rate sits at 91% per US News Best Colleges 2026, placing it in the least selective admissions band nationally. The rate reflects that FHSU treats admissions as an academic-fit exercise, not a competitive filter, and admits any applicant who clears the published GPA and English thresholds.
The College of Business and the Graduate School do apply programme-level GPA cutoffs above the university-wide baseline. For Indian applicants with a 3-year bachelor’s, the Graduate School reviews each file for course-level equivalency before issuing a decision.
Reality check: A 91% acceptance rate does not mean automatic admission for Indian applicants. English score gaps, incomplete transcripts and missing bank statements are the most common rejection triggers. Submit a clean file and the FHSU admissions office responds within one week.
Read More: Fort Hays State University Acceptance Rate
Fort Hays State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at FHSU ranges from $6,529 (₹5.75 Lakh) for an online master’s programme to $29,962 (₹26.37 Lakh) for a bachelor’s programme on campus, tuition plus living expenses combined. FHSU fees are among the lowest for any US public regional university that Indian students actually pursue.
Fort Hays State University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
FHSU tuition splits into three tiers based on residency and delivery mode. Online rates are identical for Indian and US students; on-campus non-resident rates apply to F-1 visa holders.
| Fee Component | Annual Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| UG on-campus tuition and fees (non-resident) | $19,537 | ₹17.19 Lakh |
| UG online tuition (per year, 30 credits) | $10,882 (estimated) | ₹9.58 Lakh (estimated) |
| PG on-campus tuition and fees (non-resident) | $14,019 | ₹12.34 Lakh |
| PG online tuition (per year, 18 credits) | $6,529 | ₹5.75 Lakh |
| Application fee | $50 | ₹4,400 |
[Source: Fort Hays State University Student Fiscal Services 2026-2027]
Cost of Living for Fort Hays State University Students in Hays
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (₹) | Annual (USD) | Annual (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation and meals (on-campus room and board) | $1,081 | ₹95,128 | $9,725 | ₹8.56 Lakh |
| Books and supplies | $78 | ₹6,864 | $700 | ₹0.62 Lakh |
| Transportation (estimated) | $100 (estimated) | ₹8,800 (estimated) | $900 (estimated) | ₹0.79 Lakh (estimated) |
| Personal expenses (estimated) | $150 (estimated) | ₹13,200 (estimated) | $1,350 (estimated) | ₹1.19 Lakh (estimated) |
| Total living cost | $1,409 (estimated) | ₹1.24 Lakh (estimated) | $12,675 (estimated) | ₹11.15 Lakh (estimated) |
[Source: Fort Hays State University Cost of Attendance 2026-2027 for on-campus room and board; transport and personal figures are market estimates for Hays, Kansas]
Insider note: Hays is a rural town of roughly 20,000 residents, so off-campus one-bedroom rents typically run $500 to $700 per month, well below what Indian students pay in coastal US metros. Groceries and utilities are equally cheap.
Read More: Cost of MS in USA for Indian Students
Fort Hays State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The Fort Hays State University campus spans 200 acres in Hays, a small town in western Kansas roughly 4 hours by road from Denver and 5 hours from Kansas City. The university runs a hybrid delivery model, with on-campus study for residential students and a large Virtual College for online learners globally.
- Location and transport: Hays Regional Airport connects to Denver in 45 minutes; long-distance travel typically uses car or the Kansas City / Denver airports
- Housing: On-campus room and board costs $9,725 per year (₹8.56 Lakh); off-campus one-bedroom rents range $500 to $700 per month; no housing guarantee for international students
- Notable facility: Forsyth Library, Sternberg Museum of Natural History and dedicated Cybersecurity Institute on the main campus
- Indian student community: Small residential Indian cohort with a much larger online Indian enrollment base through the Virtual College
- Virtual College: FHSU’s online arm runs asynchronous coursework, letting Indian students complete a US master’s degree without leaving India
What Indian students say: Reviews emphasise how affordable everyday life in Hays is, how quickly faculty respond in online master’s cohorts, and that the small Indian residential community means you need to be self-sufficient socially compared with big-city US campuses.
Fort Hays State University Scholarships 2027
Fort Hays State University scholarships include three institutional awards reserved for international students plus two university-wide merit awards for which Indian applicants qualify. None are exclusive to Indian nationals.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHSU World Ready International Scholarship | Institutional (International) | Varies (verify at official page) | Automatic for eligible international admits | Verify at official page |
| Stouffer Scholarship | Institutional (International) | Varies (verify at official page) | Application plus GPA-based | Verify at official page |
| Solko and Olliff Family International Student Scholarship | Institutional (International) | Varies (verify at official page) | Application plus GPA-based | Verify at official page |
| Freshman Scholarship | Merit (open to all) | $1,500 to $3,750 per year (₹1.32 to 3.30 Lakh) | ACT or SAT plus GPA | Automatic on admission |
| Transfer Scholarship | Merit (open to all) | $500 to $1,500 (₹0.44 to 1.32 Lakh) | Cumulative GPA-based | Automatic on admission |
[Source: Fort Hays State University International Financial Aid Office]
Explore broader options in the MS in USA guide for country-level scholarship and funding pathways.
Insider note: The FHSU World Ready scholarship is automatic, but the Stouffer and Solko awards need a separate application through the FHSU scholarship portal. Apply within 2 weeks of receiving your admission decision, since awards are made on a rolling basis.
Read More: Fort Hays State University Scholarships Guide
Fort Hays State University Rankings 2027
Fort Hays State University sits at #78 in Regional Universities Midwest per US News Best Colleges 2026, its strongest ranking. The university is not ranked in QS World, THE World or ARWU, which is typical for US regional publics that focus on teaching and access rather than global research output.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Universities Midwest | 2026: #78 | Verify at US News | Verify at US News |
| US News Top Public Schools (Regional Midwest) | 2026: #27 | Verify at US News | Verify at US News |
| US News Best Global Universities: Social Work | 2025: #24 US / #264 global | NA | NA |
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: Not ranked | NA | NA |
| THE World University Rankings | 2026: Not ranked | NA | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026, US News Best Global Universities 2025]
The US News Regional Universities Midwest category ranks bachelor’s and master’s granting institutions across 12 Midwest states that focus primarily on undergraduate education. The #78 placement puts FHSU inside the top quartile of that regional pool.
Key insight: The absence of a QS or THE World rank does not affect Indian F-1 visa eligibility or Indian employer recognition. FHSU degrees are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is what Indian banks and employers verify.
Read More: Fort Hays State University Rankings Analysis
Fort Hays State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
FHSU does not publish a central placement rate, which is standard for US regional public universities. Career outcomes are tracked through the US Department of Education College Scorecard, which uses federal tax data across all graduates.
- Median salary of graduates: $48,928 per year (₹43.06 Lakh) per US Department of Education 2026 earnings data
- 10-year post-enrollment earnings: $41,400 per year (₹36.43 Lakh), 21% above the US national median
- Field-level median for CS graduates: $44,081 per year (₹38.79 Lakh) per US Department of Education
- Top recruiter categories (market data): Regional healthcare systems, Kansas school districts, mid-sized tech and cybersecurity firms; university does not disclose named employer lists
- Post-study work visa: F-1 graduates qualify for 12 months of OPT, extended by 24 months for STEM designated programmes such as Computer Science and Cybersecurity. The Cost of MBA in USA for Indian Students guide covers OPT rules for business tracks.
Insider note: FHSU’s strongest Indian-employable outcomes come from the STEM-designated MPS Cybersecurity and MS Computer Networking programmes, since both qualify graduates for the 36-month OPT window that supports H-1B lottery re-entries.
Fort Hays State University vs Peer Universities
The comparison below sets FHSU against three other Kansas public universities and one mid-tier public research university, using verified US News regional data.
| University | US News Regional 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Hays State University | #78 Midwest | $6,529 online / $14,019 on-campus (₹5.75 to 12.34 Lakh) | Lowest-cost US public online master’s for Indian students |
| Emporia State University | Verify at US News | Not disclosed | Kansas regional peer with a teacher-education focus |
| Pittsburg State University | Verify at US News | Not disclosed | Kansas regional peer with applied technology programmes |
| Wichita State University | National tier, verify at US News | Not disclosed | Larger Kansas public with aerospace and engineering research |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026; peer fee figures marked "not disclosed" when not verified this session]
FHSU stands out on two data points: its 91% acceptance rate is the highest in this Kansas peer set, and its online graduate rate is the lowest at $362.73 per credit hour. Indian applicants prioritising affordability over rank pick FHSU; those prioritising research volume typically choose Wichita State or a Kansas State comparator.
Note: Kansas Board of Regents tuition data updates each June. Peer fee figures shown as "not disclosed" should be verified on each peer’s official Student Fiscal Services page before final applications go out.
Fort Hays State University is the right choice for cost-sensitive Indian applicants targeting an affordable US master’s in cybersecurity, business or computer networking through the Virtual College, especially those planning to keep working in India during study. Total investment of ₹11 to 25 Lakh sits well below the median salary of $48,928 (₹43.06 Lakh) that US Department of Education 2026 data reports for FHSU graduates, and the STEM-designated master’s tracks unlock the 36-month OPT window post degree via the study in USA route.
FHSU is not the right choice for Indian applicants who want a QS-ranked research university, a large residential Indian community or campus placements from Fortune 500 recruiters. Applicants with those goals should consider Wichita State University or an equivalent mid-tier US public research university.
Fort Hays State University FAQs
Ques. What GPA does FHSU require for graduate admission?
Ans. FHSU does not publish a university-wide minimum graduate GPA. Most departments expect a bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 on the Indian scale, which maps to a US 2.5/4.0 GPA. Some programmes such as the MPS Cybersecurity and MBA prefer a stronger academic file. Contact the specific graduate coordinator to confirm your programme’s cutoff.
Ques. How can Indian students apply to Fort Hays State University online programmes?
Ans. Complete the FHSU online application, pay the $50 application fee, and mail official transcripts and an English test score to the Registrar’s Office. Online applicants do not need an I-20 or F-1 visa, since coursework is asynchronous and can be completed from India. Approval typically arrives within one week of a complete file.
Ques. Does Fort Hays State University waive the application fee for international students?
Ans. No. The FHSU official FAQ states the $50 application fee is nonrefundable and cannot be waived for any applicant category, including international students. Pay it through the online admissions portal only once your transcripts, English test score and bank statement are ready to submit as a complete file.
Ques. Are IELTS scores mandatory for FHSU graduate admission?
Ans. Not mandatory. FHSU accepts TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS Academic 6.5, iTEP 3.9 or Duolingo 110 for graduate admission. Indian students with English-medium bachelor’s degrees can request an English proficiency waiver, but the university does not guarantee it. Institutional TOEFL and TOEFL Essentials are not accepted under any condition.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time at Fort Hays State University?
Ans. Yes for on-campus F-1 students. F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term and full-time during official breaks, subject to US federal rules. Off-campus work needs CPT or OPT authorisation from the FHSU International Student Services Office. Online Virtual College students studying from India follow Indian labour rules instead.
Ques. How long does OPT last for FHSU international graduates?
Ans. Standard OPT gives F-1 graduates 12 months of US work authorisation after degree completion. STEM-designated FHSU programmes, including MPS Cybersecurity, MS Computer Networking and BS Computer Science, qualify for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension. That gives a combined 36-month window to secure H-1B sponsorship through the annual lottery.
Ques. Which Indian banks fund Fort Hays State University education loans?
Ans. Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is the US regional accreditor Indian banks verify for loan sanction. State Bank of India, HDFC Credila, Axis Bank and Avanse offer secured and unsecured loans covering FHSU tuition and living costs. Loan amounts typically range from ₹15 Lakh to ₹40 Lakh depending on collateral and applicant profile.
Ques. What documents does FHSU need for I-20 issuance?
Ans. Once admitted, FHSU issues the I-20 after receiving a certified bank statement covering one full year of estimated expenses, a passport photocopy, and confirmation of health insurance intent. Mail these to the International Student Services Office; emailed or faxed copies are not accepted. The I-20 is then couriered internationally, typically within 5 to 10 working days of complete documentation.
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Fort Hays State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Fort Hays State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.fhsu.edu/admissions/admissions-application/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Fort Hays State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8377 | 4774 | 3603 | 178 |


















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