About FHSU

About FHSU About FHSU Be Here at Fort Hays State We stand to unlock untapped potential to empower the world to greater successes. Welcome to Fort Hays State University Fort Hays State University was founded in 1902 as the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School. The institution was originally located on the grounds of Fort Hays, a Nineteenth-Century frontier military outpost. The state of Kansas initially intended the university’s academic programs to focus on agriculture, but it opened as a “normal” or teacher’s college. FHSU today is a regional comprehensive public university where determined, innovative and caring faculty and staff share a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring students. Our mission is to develop the engaged global citizen-leaders our world needs today. Unmatched Affordability The Fort Hays State University model is based on meeting the evolving educational needs of the modern student. On campus in Hays and worldwide through FHSU Online and our network of International Partnership campuses, we deliver affordable, flexible, and challenging academic programs that prepare our students for lives as engaged global citizen leaders. FHSU offers a world-class higher education experience at an unbeatable price. Across-the-board, FHSU offers the best bang for your educational dollar. View our current tuition and fees to see how affordable a quality education could be for you! QuickFacts FHSU President: Tisa Mason Founded: 1902 Campus: 200 acres University Farm: 3,825 acres Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission Mascot: Victor E. Tiger Academic Year 2024 - Fall 2023 Athletics: NCAA Division II, Mid-America Intercollegiate, Athletics Association (MIAA) Registration: 12,843 On-Campus Headcount: 3,631 Online Headcount: 6,602 International Partnership Program Headcount: 3,210 Kansans Served by FHSU: 9,848 Hispanic Registration: 782 Graduates: 3351 (Summer 22, Fall 22, Spring 23) Success Rate: 93% Total Budget by Funding Source: $189.3 million State Appropriations: $56.1 million Student Tuition: $41.4 million Restricted Fees: $47.4 million Federal Funds: $26.1 million Auxiliary Enterprises: $13.1 million Parking Fees: $0.6 million Other Funds, Transfers, & Reserves: $4.6 million Budget by Program (Fiscal Year 202 ): $145.2 million Education and General: Instruction: $57.6 million Research: $0.7 million Public Service: $4.6 million Academic Support: $20.3 million Student Service: $13.8 million Institutional Support: $11.2 million Physical Plant: $8.4 million Capital Improvements/Debt Service: $28.6 million Budgeted Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Staff Faculty: 498 Professional and Support Staff: 495 Retention and Graduation Fall-to-Fall Retention 2022 – 2023: 76.60% Six-Year Graduation Rates 2016 Cohort: 50.2% Our Home in Hays, Kansas Hays is located on the great plains of the American Midwest. Ours is a safe and friendly college town that offers great food, fun activities, live music and theatre performances, art exhibits, and cultural festivals. Take a virtual tour of our campus Get to know Hays, Kansas Our History We like to think of ourselves as the pioneers of innovation. Beginning in 1902, Fort Hays State University has held its roots in the heart of education and we are so proud to be blazing our own path forward ever since. LOOK INTO OUR HISTORY Visitor Information Take a journey to Hays, Kansas and experience all we have to offer. Not only home to a lively and bustling downtown area, we are surrounded by world-class businesses, national shopping outlets and renowned museums and galleries. VISIT HAYS Centers and Administration Fort Hays State University's faculty, staff, and administrators team are dedicated to student success. Learn how FHSU leaders create a supportive environment where students thrive and education blends with the experience of a close-knit community for students on campus and online. Meet our Administrative Leadership Upcoming Events 23 APR Allen Ziegler, to Speak at Public Event in Robbins Center on April 28, 2026. Thursday, April 23, 2026, 8 - 9am Allen Ziegler, ... More 24 APR Allen Ziegler, to Speak at Public Event in Robbins Center on April 28, 2026. Friday, April 24, 2026, 8 - 9am Allen Ziegler, t ... More 24 APR Esports Club: Smash Friday TH_123 Friday, April 24, 2026, 4 - 8pm Esports ... More 25 APR Allen Ziegler, to Speak at Public Event in Robbins Center on April 28, 2026. Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8 - 9am Allen Ziegler, ... More More Events Additional Resources Admissions Academics Colleges and Departments Programs FHSU Online Tuition and Fees QuickFACTS Contact Centers and Administration University Police Employment Opportunities Emergency Information