Head-to-head · 2026
Fort Hays State University vs Independence Community College
Compare average net price ($12,569 at Fort Hays State University; $3,265 at Independence Community College), ROI score (9.73 vs 26.75), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($48,928 vs $34,941), and admissions context (90.3% at Fort Hays State University; Open / not reported at Independence Community College) 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 | Fort Hays State University | Independence Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.73 | 26.75 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,569 | $3,265 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $50,276 | $13,060 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $5,923 | $4,560 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $17,741 | $4,950 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $48,928 ✓ | $34,941 |
| Acceptance rate | 90.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 47.7% ✓ | 26.3% |
| Retention rate | 76.9% ✓ | 43.9% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $6,115 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,733 | 486 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 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 | Fort Hays State University | Independence Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $7,661 | $2,934 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $9,776 | $3,435 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $11,941 | $1,685 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $14,266 | $6,220 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $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 | Fort Hays State University | Independence Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 5.7% | 41.8% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 25.2% | 3.6% |
| Psychology, General | 4% | 2% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 4.5% | 1% |
| Computer Programming | 3.8% | 1% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | 1.8% | 1% |
| Biology, General | 1.4% | 0.5% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 0.8% | 1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Independence Community College reports the lower average net price by $9,304 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $37,216 difference over four years ($13,060 vs $50,276).
Fort Hays State University reports $13,987 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($48,928 vs $34,941). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 76.9% at Fort Hays State University and 43.9% at Independence Community College. Median federal debt among completers is $21,000 vs $6,115, 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
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Fort Hays State University vs Independence Community College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Independence Community College is cheaper — average net price $3,265 per year vs $12,569 at Fort Hays State University. The annual difference of $9,304 adds up to about $37,216 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 $34,941 at Independence Community College. The gap in the federal data is $13,987. This is not major-specific earnings.
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.