Computer Programming at Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
67
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $57,162/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (78% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (162,300 openings/yr)
ROI 26.7x earnings multiple (8.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 of 31 Computer Programming programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Programming graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $623K $601K $524K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 27.7x 26.7x 23.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.3x 8.9x 7.8x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 67% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 67 60

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 (8.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,972
-140% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,591
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $57,162/yr, Computer Programming graduates from Fort Hays State University land near the $59,149 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 26.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 78% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $19,591 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #19 out of 31 programs, Fort Hays State University's financial outcomes for Computer Programming trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

Software developers $133,080/yr
Software quality assurance analysts and testers $102,610/yr
Computer programmers $98,670/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Programming at Other Schools

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

How does Fort Hays State University's Computer Programming program score?
A score of 67/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Fort Hays State University trails the majority of Computer Programming programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Computer Programming to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Programming careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 78% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →