Fort Hays State University and its affiliated technical institutions report varied enrollment figures for fall 2025. While overall system-wide enrollment stands at 14,682 students, including 9,146 Kansans, individual campuses show distinct patterns. The main FHSU campus experienced a slight decrease, primarily due to fewer international and online students, but saw growth in specific high-demand academic programs.
Key Takeaways
- Total enrollment across all three Fort Hays State University affiliated institutions reached 14,682 students in fall 2025.
- On-campus enrollment at FHSU's main campus increased by 2% year-over-year.
- Fort Hays Tech | North Central saw a 6.9% enrollment rise, driven by strong growth in construction, electrical, and plumbing programs.
- Fort Hays Tech | Northwest experienced a 3.5% increase, with high demand in electrical technology and healthcare-related fields.
- FHSU main campus total enrollment, as reported by the Kansas Board of Regents, decreased by 0.2% to 12,849 students, largely due to a reduction in international students.
- Significant legislative and federal funding is supporting expansions in nursing and allied health programs at FHSU.
Overall Enrollment Figures for Fall 2025
The Fort Hays State University system, encompassing the main university campus and two technical colleges, has recorded a combined enrollment of 14,682 students for fall 2025. This total includes 9,146 students who are residents of Kansas, highlighting the institutions' role in educating the state's workforce.
Despite the system-wide numbers, individual institutions within the FHSU umbrella presented different enrollment trajectories. On-campus enrollment at Fort Hays State University's main campus saw a 2% increase compared to the previous year. This growth indicates a continued appeal for its in-person academic offerings.
Conversely, the Kansas Board of Regents reported a slight overall decrease for the main FHSU campus. According to the regents' data, fall 2025 enrollment at FHSU in Hays is 12,849 students, a 0.2% decline from 12,878 students in fall 2024. The five-year change, as per the regents, shows a 12.5% reduction in student numbers.
Enrollment Snapshot
- Total System Enrollment: 14,682 students
- Kansas Residents: 9,146 students
- FHSU On-Campus Growth: +2%
- FHSU Overall (Regents Data): -0.2% (12,849 students)
Factors Influencing FHSU Main Campus Enrollment
The slight decline in FHSU's total enrollment, as reported by the Kansas Board of Regents, is primarily due to specific demographic shifts. Scott Cason, FHSU's chief communications officer, explained that the university saw a decrease of 88 international students and three online students compared to the previous year. This reduction in international student numbers was anticipated.
"It's attributed to things beyond our control," Cason stated, referring to the decrease in international students. He emphasized that the university had prepared for this likely reduction, particularly concerning its China campuses.
Despite these challenges, FHSU President Tisa Mason highlighted the enduring appeal of the university's educational offerings. "The unmatched value of a Fort Hays educational experience continues to attract students who seek a high-quality education at an affordable price to our three institutions," Mason commented. She also noted the university's commitment to aligning with state goals and workforce needs, supported by legislative funding.
FHSU's Strategic Vision
FHSU is making strategic investments to meet future workforce demands. This includes expanding facilities and programs in critical-need areas, aligning with the Kansas Board of Regents' objectives. The university aims to provide accessible and high-quality education that directly addresses the state's economic and professional requirements.
Growth in Key Academic Programs at FHSU
While overall numbers varied, Fort Hays State University's main campus experienced notable growth in specific academic areas. The fall 2025 enrollment includes 1,096 first-time new undergraduate students (non-transfer), marking an increase of more than 9% over last year. Campus residence halls are currently operating at full capacity, indicating strong demand for the on-campus experience.
The university also reported a 5% increase in the number of Kansans enrolled over the past two years, demonstrating its role in serving the state's residents. Enrollment in academic programs designed to prepare graduates for critical-need professions showed significant growth:
- Social Work: Up 23% over last fall.
- Allied Health (Medical Diagnostic Imaging, Medical Imaging, Radiologic Technology): Increased by 22%.
- Nursing: Grew by 9%.
- Applied Technology: Saw a 9% enrollment increase.
Investments in Healthcare Education
To support this growth, the Kansas Legislature provided $15 million in funding for an expansion of Stroup Hall. This project will consolidate the Departments of Nursing and Allied Health, creating modern spaces for collaborative learning and training. Additionally, Senator Jerry Moran helped secure an extra $3 million U.S. Department of Education grant. This grant will fund advanced simulation labs, modern classrooms, and realistic clinical environments, ensuring students receive practical training that mirrors real-world healthcare settings.
These investments are expected to facilitate substantial future enrollment increases. The university anticipates more than 65% enrollment growth in nursing programs and a 40% growth in medical diagnostic imaging programs over the next several years.
The Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS/AMS), FHSU’s residential early college program for gifted high school juniors and seniors, also continued its positive trend. KAMS/AMS saw a 6% enrollment growth, marking its third consecutive year of increases.
Fort Hays Tech | North Central Sees Significant Gains
Fort Hays Tech | North Central, with campuses in Beloit and Hays, reported strong enrollment figures for fall 2025. Overall enrollment reached 1,055 students, representing a 6.9% increase over the previous fall. This growth is particularly notable in programs addressing critical workforce needs within Kansas.
Key areas of enrollment growth include:
- Construction Technology: Up 39%.
- Electrical Technology: Up 39%.
- Plumbing, Heating, and AC (PHAC) programs: Increased by 53%.
These programs are vital for training professionals who are likely to live and work in Kansas, filling essential roles in the state's economy. The upcoming Construction Career Center, slated to open for the 2026 spring semester, will serve as a new home for these three programs, along with the Commercial Driver’s License program. This new facility is expected to further fuel growth in these critical fields.
"We’re thrilled that our enrollment continues to rise—an exciting reflection of the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and admissions team," said Fort Hays Tech | North Central President Eric Burks. "The buzz around our new building is driving impressive growth in our construction programs, alongside continued momentum in online learning."
Fort Hays Tech | Northwest Experiences Program-Specific Surges
Fort Hays Tech | Northwest in Goodland also reported significant enrollment growth across several of its programs. The Electrical Technology program, in particular, saw such high demand that an additional instructor was hired, yet student interest still exceeded capacity, leading to a waitlist. This indicates a strong market need for skilled electricians in the region.
Other programs at Fort Hays Tech | Northwest also experienced substantial increases:
- Child Care Specialist: Up 50%.
- Respiratory Care: Up 50%.
- Medical Assistant: Increased by 66%.
- Cosmetology: Grew by 24%.
- Computer Graphics Technology: Up 23%.
- Welding Technology: Increased by 12%.
Early College enrollment, which provides high school students with opportunities to explore career pathways and gain real-world skills before graduation, also increased. Students are increasingly choosing Fort Hays Tech | Northwest for its practical, hands-on training, strong industry partnerships, and proven job placement outcomes.
Dr. Corey Isbell, President of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, commented, "The increasing demand for graduates with technical skills in our region is making technical education a popular choice for high school students. Students and families are becoming more aware of the opportunities available to them on our campus, and this is driving our enrollment growth in several areas."
The combined enrollment trends across the Fort Hays State University system reflect a dynamic educational landscape, with strategic investments and a focus on workforce development driving growth in technical and high-demand professional fields, even as the main campus navigates shifts in international student numbers.
