FHSU University Relations
This fall, 14,682 students, including 9,146 Kansans, are enrolled at one of the three Fort Hays State University affiliated institutions. On-campus enrollment at FHSU grew by 2% over last year. Enrollment at Fort Hays Tech | North Central is up 6.9% in Hays and Beloit, and enrollment at Fort Hays Tech | Northwest in Goodland is up 3.5%.
According to the Kansas Board of Regents website, total fall 2025 enrollment at FHSU in Hays is 12,849 students, down 0.2% from 12,878 students in fall 2024.
The five year change, according to the regents, is -12.5% fewer students.
Scott Cason, FHSU chief communications officer, told Hays Post the university's enrollment was down 88 international students and three online students from one year ago.
He said the university planned for the likely reduction in international students, especially on its China campuses.
"It's attributed to things beyond our control," Cason said.
"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," said FHSU President Tisa Mason. "With the support of our state legislators, we are making investments in the future of Fort Hays that align with the goals set forth by the Kansas Board of Regents and our state's workforce needs."
Fall enrollment at the three Fort Hays schools at a glance
FHSU
The fall 2025 enrollment count at Fort Hays State University, Kansas’ largest comprehensive regional public university, includes 1,096 first-time new undergraduate (non-transfer) students, an increase of more than 9% over last year, campus residence halls operating at full capacity, and a 5% increase in the number of Kansans enrolled at the university over the past two years.
Enrollment in academic programs that prepare graduates to work in critical-need professions grew again this fall. Undergraduate enrollment growth leaders in this category include Social Work at 23% over last fall, Allied Health (Medical Diagnostic Imaging, Medical Imaging, and Radiologic Technology), with an increase of 22%, and both Nursing and Applied Technology at 9% in enrollment growth.
Thanks to $15 million in funding from the Kansas Legislature, an expansion of Stroup Hall that is underway will bring the Departments of Nursing and Allied Health together under one roof, creating collaborative, state-of-the-art spaces for learning and training.
With the support of Senator Jerry Moran, the university secured an additional $3 million U.S. Department of Education grant to fund the advanced simulation labs, modern classrooms and realistic clinical environments necessary to ensure FHSU students receive hands-on training that mirrors real-world practice.
This expansion will provide the space necessary to meet an anticipated enrollment growth in nursing of more than 65% and medical diagnostic imaging programs of 40% 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, saw enrollment growth of 6%, marking the third consecutive year of enrollment growth.
Fort Hays Tech | North Central
Overall enrollment at Fort Hays Tech | North Central in both Beloit and Hays this fall is 1,055, a 6.9% overall growth in enrollment over last fall. Enrollment markedly increased in several areas of critical workforce needs in our state, including Construction Technology and Electrical Technology at 39%, and Plumbing, Heating, and AC (PHAC) programs at 53%.
All three of these programs train professionals to fill critical workforce-need programs who will likely go on to live and work in Kansas. The Construction Career Center, scheduled to open in time for the 2026 spring semester, will serve as the new home for these three programs (and the Commercial Driver’s License program), and fuel future growth in these critical program areas.
"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
Fort Hays Tech | Northwest in Goodland experienced strong enrollment growth across multiple programs this year. Our Electrical Technology program has seen such high demand that an additional instructor was added, yet student interest still exceeded capacity, leading to a waitlist.
Other programs are also on the rise: Child Care Specialist and Respiratory Care are both up 50%, Medical Assistant is up 66%, Cosmetology is up 24%, Computer Graphics Technology is up 23%, and Welding Technology is up 12%.
Early College enrollment has also increased. These opportunities give high school students a valuable head start— exploring career pathways and gaining real-world skills before graduation.
Across all programs, students are choosing Fort Hays Tech | Northwest for its hands-on training, strong industry partnerships, and proven job placement outcomes.
"The increasing demand for graduates with technical skills in our region is making technical education a popular choice for high school students," said Dr. Corey Isbell, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest President. “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.”