College Costs in Hays, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Hays, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$468
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Hays Overview
Population
21,024
Student Population
1,970 (9.4%)
Cost of Living Index
88.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Hays
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$91,592
Total After Financial Aid
$91,592
Annual Cost
$22,898
Annual After Aid
$22,898
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $91,592 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,040 |
| Total Interest | $33,209 |
| Total Loan Cost | $124,801 |
Universities in Hays
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hays State University | Public | $10,718 |
| Hays Community College | Community | $5,570 |
Hays has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Hays vs. National Average
| Category | Hays | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $468 | $1,050 | -$582 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.1 | 100 | -11.900000000000006 |
Hays's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Hays
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,970 students
Hays has a total population of 21,024, with approximately 1,970 college students (9.4% of the population). Hays has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Hays
$35,702
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~130 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Hays earn a median starting salary of $35,702, which is $702 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $91,592 (including room and board), it would take approximately 130 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,280 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Kansas
Wichita
20 colleges · Avg tuition $8,640
Overland Park
13 colleges · Avg tuition $3,564
Topeka
14 colleges · Avg tuition $8,640
Lawrence
5 colleges · Avg tuition $5,898
Manhattan
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,383
Emporia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $6,716
Kansas City
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Olathe
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Shawnee
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Lenexa
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Salina
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Hutchinson
2 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities