Colleges and Universities in Hays, Kansas: A Comprehensive Guide
College is an exciting time filled with numerous opportunities and experiences. For those considering higher education in the heart of Kansas, Hays offers a range of options, each with its own unique strengths and focus. This article explores the colleges and universities in and around Hays, Kansas, providing key information to help prospective students make informed decisions.
Fort Hays State University (FHSU)
Overview
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) stands as a regional comprehensive public university with a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring students. Founded in 1902 as the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School, FHSU has a rich history rooted in serving the educational needs of the region. The institution was originally located on the grounds of Fort Hays, a Nineteenth-Century frontier military outpost. The modern campus is still located on a portion of the former military reservation from the fort. FHSU was first to be founded as an agricultural based school but was then determined to be a normal school. The normal school was supposed to be supported in part by the agricultural experiment station.
Academics and Programs
FHSU offers a world-class higher education experience with more than 200 degree and certificate programs. The university has led the way in online education for decades, providing cutting-edge online learning experiences and extensive student support resources. In 2024, FHSU awarded 2,276 bachelor's degrees, 78 associate degrees, 772 master's degrees, and 20 doctoral degrees. This demonstrates the university's commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities.
Value and Accessibility
One of FHSU's key strengths is its affordability. The university offers an education that empowers students' futures without the burden of high tuition. More than 95% of FHSU graduates quickly find jobs or pursue further educational opportunities. FHSU offers the best bang for your educational dollar.
Campus Life and Culture
Located halfway between Kansas City and Denver, Hays is a hub of education, innovation, health care, professional services, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. Fort Hays State takes pride in its vibrant and welcoming campus, where students from all walks of life come together to learn, grow, and succeed.The main campus sits on 200 acres (0.81 km2) of the 4,160 acres (16.8 km2) owned by the state and deeded to the university. The campus property includes more than 40 limestone-faced buildings. Big Creek, a winding stream that traverses the campus, enhances the beauty of the campus and serves as a natural laboratory for students in the biological sciences.
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Unique Features
- Sternberg Museum of Natural History: The university's Sternberg Museum of Natural History features interactive natural science exhibitions, including fossil dinosaurs, mosasaurs, pterosaurs, and fish. The museum houses over 3.7 million specimens in collections of paleontology, geology, history, archaeology, ethnology, botany, entomology, ichthyology, herpetology, ornithology and mammalogy.
- Docking Institute: The Docking Institute is a public policy research institute focused on enhancing effective decision-making among governmental and non-profit leaders.
- Oktoberfest: Each year, Fort Hays State holds a celebration called Oktoberfest, celebrating the Volga German heritage of Ellis County.
Athletics
The Fort Hays State athletic teams are called the Tigers. The university is a member of the NCAA Division II, primarily competing in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). The Fort Hays State basketball programs hold four national basketball titles. The tiger has been the mascot of FHSU since 1914, with the current mascot named Victor E. Tiger.
Northwest Tech
Overview
Fort Hays Tech | Northwest has given me many opportunities in this season of my life. I chose Fort Hays Tech | Northwest because it is a hands-on experience technical college, which, in my opinion, is a great choice for a better learning experience. Because here at “Fort Hays Tech | Northwest,” our instructors are so willing and helpful to their students and are going to help you succeed to graduation and then some by teaching and preparing you for a life full of adventure!
Testimonials
Students have shared positive experiences about Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. One student mentioned rebuilding the top end on a Chevy Equinox, putting a torque converter in a newer Chevy pickup, and overhauling a Ford 6.0 diesel engine. The instructor is very knowledgeable in vehicles and knows what he is doing and has been super helpful. It is nice to work with fellow students who enjoy working on vehicles as much as I do. You will only get out what you put in. As long as you show up and try, you will succeed. Another student noted that Fort Hays Tech | Northwest has given them the opportunity for hands-on experience and real-world skills they can use right away in their career.
Events
- Spring Tech Expo
- 6th Grade Day
Other Colleges Near Hays, Kansas
While Fort Hays State University is the primary four-year institution in Hays, several other colleges and universities are located within a reasonable distance and may be of interest to prospective students.
Sterling College
Sterling College is a four-year private college. In 2024, 116 bachelor's degrees were completed.
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Barclay College
Barclay College is a four-year private college. In 2024, 39 bachelor's degrees were completed, along with 10 associate degrees and 10 master's degrees.
Brown Mackie College-Salina
Brown Mackie College-Salina primarily offers associate degrees. In 2024, 73 associate degrees and 5 bachelor's degrees were completed.
Bethany College
Bethany College is a four-year private college. In 2024, 109 bachelor's degrees were completed.
Considerations When Choosing a College
When selecting a college or university, several factors should be taken into account:
- Programs Offered: Ensure that the institution offers the specific degree program or field of study that aligns with your career goals.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Consider the tuition costs, fees, and availability of financial aid and scholarships.
- Campus Culture: Visit the campus, if possible, to get a feel for the environment and student life.
- Location: Evaluate the location's proximity to your home, job opportunities, and other personal considerations.
- Accreditation: Verify that the institution is institutionally accredited.
Job Market Outlook in Hays, Kansas
Understanding the job market in Hays, Kansas, can be valuable for students planning their future careers. In 2024, there were approximately 151,265 jobs in the Hays area. From 2023 to 2024, job growth in Hays was below the national average, at 0.9%. There were 18,847 job openings in the area.
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