Head-to-head · 2026
Emporia State University vs Fort Hays State University
Compare average net price ($16,261 at Emporia State University; $12,569 at Fort Hays State University), ROI score (7.32 vs 9.73), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($47,601 vs $48,928), and admissions selectivity (97.7% acceptance at Emporia State University; 90.3% at Fort Hays State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Emporia State University | Fort Hays State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.32 | 9.73 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,261 | $12,569 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $65,044 | $50,276 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $7,106 | $5,923 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $15,419 | $17,741 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $47,601 | $48,928 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 97.7% | 90.3% |
| Graduation rate | 56.1% ✓ | 47.7% |
| Retention rate | 76.9% | 76.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,500 ✓ | $21,000 |
| Enrollment | 2,239 | 9,733 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1120 | 1089 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Emporia State University | Fort Hays State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $11,452 | $7,661 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $11,905 | $9,776 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $14,229 | $11,941 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,994 | $14,266 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $19,531 | $16,641 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Emporia State University | Fort Hays State University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 10.1% | 25.2% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 10.2% | 4.5% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 8.1% | 2.9% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | 8.3% | 1.6% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 4.4% | 5.3% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 1.6% | 5.7% |
| Psychology, General | 2.8% | 4% |
| Special Education and Teaching | 3.3% | 3.2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Fort Hays State University reports the lower average net price by $3,692 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $14,768 difference over four years ($50,276 vs $65,044).
Fort Hays State University reports $1,327 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($48,928 vs $47,601). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 76.9% at Emporia State University and 76.9% at Fort Hays State University. Median federal debt among completers is $19,500 vs $21,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Emporia State University vs Fort Hays State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Fort Hays State University is cheaper — average net price $12,569 per year vs $16,261 at Emporia State University. The annual difference of $3,692 adds up to about $14,768 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Fort Hays State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $48,928 vs $47,601 at Emporia State University. The gap in the federal data is $1,327. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Fort Hays State University is more selective at 90.3% acceptance vs 97.7% at Emporia State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.