Liberal Arts and Sciences at Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
48
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,795/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 22.6x earnings multiple (7.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $509K $509K $485K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.6x 22.6x 21.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.6x 7.6x 7.2x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 48 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$22,532
Out-of-state: $67,244 (7.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,972
-140% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,625
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,328
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $42,795 per year, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Fort Hays State University earn slightly above the $37,172 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 22.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

The median debt load of $18,625 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Fort Hays State University ranks #16 among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $42,795 to $51,328 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Fort Hays State University

With 92% of applicants admitted, Fort Hays State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 9,792 in Hays, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Fort Hays State University →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Compare Liberal Arts and Sciences

Other Majors at Fort Hays State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at Fort Hays State University?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Fort Hays State University one of the best schools for Liberal Arts and Sciences?
Among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, Fort Hays State University's #16 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →