Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Fort Hays State University?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Fort Hays State University one of the best schools for Liberal Arts & Humanities?
Among 424 Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 →