Fort Hays State University Snapshot Card

15+

Online master’s programs

~$299

Per credit hour

—

Public university ranking

—

Public research university

Key policies

Institution type:

Public

Regional accreditation:

HLC

Admissions model:

Rolling admissions for most programs

GRE/GMAT required:

Required (varies by program)

Out-of-state premium:

No — same rate for all students

Notable Programmatic Accreditations

  • AACSB
  • ACBSP
  • CACREP
  • NASP
Written By - Bob Litt
Last Updated: June 20, 2026
Fort Hays State University Online Master’s Programs

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Best For

  • Budget-conscious professionals who need the lowest possible tuition at a regionally accredited public university
  • Working K-12 educators seeking affordable advancement credentials (administration, curriculum, special education, ESL)
  • Students pursuing CACREP-accredited counseling programs without taking on significant debt
  • Career changers who want an accessible entry point to graduate education
  • Midwest-based professionals who value a regionally recognized Kansas public university credential

Not a Best Fit

  • Students who need elite brand recognition for competitive job markets (consulting, investment banking, top-tier tech)
  • Students seeking AACSB-accredited business programs specifically
  • Those who want extensive synchronous cohort-based learning or immersive residency experiences
  • Students who need specialized STEM, engineering, or data science master’s programs
  • International students who require strong global brand recognition for post-graduation career outcomes

Fort Hays State University Online Master’s Programs at a Glance

Fort Hays State University is a public university in Hays, Kansas, governed by the Kansas Board of Regents and regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Through its Virtual College — one of the longer-running online education operations among regional public universities — FHSU offers more than 15 fully online master’s programs spanning education, business, counseling, health sciences, communication, and the liberal arts.

The defining feature of FHSU’s online portfolio is cost. At approximately $299 per credit hour for all online students regardless of residency, FHSU’s tuition sits significantly below the national average for online master’s programs, which typically ranges from $500 to $800 per credit at public institutions. That flat-rate structure means an out-of-state student pays the same as a Kansas resident — a meaningful advantage for budget-conscious learners nationwide.

Beyond price, FHSU carries programmatic accreditations that matter in specific fields: ACBSP accreditation for its business programs and CACREP accreditation for its counseling programs. These aren’t decorative — they affect licensure eligibility, employer recognition, and transfer of credentials across state lines.

AttributeDetails
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (HLC) — Regional
Institution TypePublic (Kansas Board of Regents)
Online Programs Count15+ online master’s programs
Tuition Per Credit (Online)~$299 (flat rate, all students)
Admissions ModelRolling admissions for most programs
Learning FormatAsynchronous online, semester-based
Notable Programmatic AccreditationsACBSP (Business), CACREP (Counseling), NASP-approved (School Psychology)

Quick Decision Guide

Before reading the full evaluation, use this decision guide to determine whether FHSU’s online master’s programs are likely worth your deeper investigation — or whether your time is better spent exploring other institutions.

Quick Fit Summary

FHSU is built for working adults who need an affordable, regionally accredited master’s degree from a public university — and who prioritize cost savings and accessibility over institutional prestige or large-scale student services.

Cost Signal

Online tuition runs approximately $299 per credit hour for all students, regardless of residency. Most 34-credit programs cost roughly $10,166 total. Higher-credit programs like the 63-credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS cost approximately $18,837 — still well below national averages for CACREP-accredited programs.

Learning Model

Courses are delivered asynchronously within a traditional semester structure (fall, spring, summer). Most programs are fully online, though counseling and school psychology programs require in-person practicum and internship hours that students typically arrange in their local communities.

Admissions

Most programs use rolling admissions and do not require the GRE or GMAT. General GPA expectations hover around a 2.5–3.0 minimum depending on the program. Counseling and school psychology programs may have additional requirements including interviews and prerequisite coursework. Overall, FHSU’s admissions bar is among the most accessible in the online master’s landscape.

Flexibility

Part-time and full-time enrollment options are available. Most programs offer fall, spring, and summer start dates — giving students three entry points per year. The asynchronous format means no required login times, which works well for students balancing full-time jobs and family responsibilities.

Main Tradeoff

FHSU offers exceptional affordability and solid regional accreditation, but it comes with limited brand recognition outside the Midwest and a smaller program catalog compared to mega-scale online universities like Southern New Hampshire University or Western Governors University. If cost is your primary driver and you don’t need a nationally prominent name on your diploma, FHSU delivers strong value. If brand equity matters for your career goals, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

What Fort Hays State University Is Known For

FHSU’s reputation in online education rests on a few concrete pillars — not marketing narratives, but structural advantages that show up in students’ actual experiences and outcomes.

Exceptionally low tuition at a public institution.

At roughly $299 per credit hour for all online students, FHSU consistently ranks among the cheapest regionally accredited options in the country. This isn’t a promotional rate or a first-year discount — it’s the standard Virtual College rate that applies regardless of where you live. For context, many state flagship universities charge online students $500–$900 per credit, and some well-known private nonprofit online schools exceed $600 per credit. FHSU’s pricing makes it possible to complete a 34-credit master’s degree for just over $10,000 total — a figure that puts it in the same affordability conversation as competency-based models like WGU, but within a traditional semester structure. To compare affordability across programs, the OMC graduate school cost calculator can help you run side-by-side cost estimates.

Deep education program portfolio.

FHSU offers more online master’s specializations in education than in any other subject — including instructional technology, curriculum and instruction, educational administration, special education (both high-incidence and gifted), reading specialist, ESL, school counseling, and school psychology. For working K-12 educators in Kansas and surrounding states, FHSU is a practical choice because many of these programs align directly with Kansas licensure endorsements. Educators exploring online master’s in education programs will find FHSU’s breadth in this area difficult to match at a comparable price point.

CACREP-accredited counseling programs at a fraction of the typical cost.

The MS in Counseling programs — both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling — carry CACREP accreditation, which is the gold standard for counselor education and a requirement or strong preference for licensure in most states. CACREP-accredited programs at this price point are uncommon. Students considering online master’s in counseling programs should note that FHSU’s clinical mental health counseling program costs roughly $18,837 total — compared to $30,000–$60,000 at many CACREP-accredited peers.

ACBSP-accredited MBA with multiple concentrations.

FHSU’s MBA carries ACBSP accreditation (not AACSB — an important distinction discussed in the Not a Best Fit section below) and offers seven concentration options including accounting, finance, marketing, management, international business, and tourism/hospitality management. At approximately $10,166 total, it’s one of the least expensive accredited MBA options available. Students exploring online MBA programs broadly will find FHSU’s combination of accreditation, concentration variety, and price competitive at the budget end of the market.

Virtual College infrastructure and maturity.

FHSU has operated its Virtual College for over two decades, which means the online delivery infrastructure isn’t a pandemic afterthought — it’s a long-established part of the university’s identity. That maturity shows in consistent course scheduling, established faculty workflows for online instruction, and a support system specifically designed for remote learners.

Accessibility-first admissions.

Most programs don’t require the GRE or GMAT, rolling admissions are standard, and GPA cutoffs are generally reasonable rather than exclusionary. This approach aligns with FHSU’s institutional mission of providing access to graduate education for working adults who may not have the traditional academic profile expected by more selective institutions.

Online Master’s Programs by Subject

FHSU’s online master’s portfolio spans seven subject areas, with education accounting for the largest share of programs. The table below lists every known online master’s program, organized by subject. Use it to compare credit requirements, estimated costs, accreditation status, and whether any in-person components are required.

Program NameDegree TypeSubject AreaCredit HoursEst. Total CostAccreditationIn-Person Required
MBAMBABusiness34$10,166ACBSPNo
Master of Professional StudiesMPSBusiness34$10,166—No
MS in Education — Instructional TechnologyMSEducation34$10,166—No
MS in Education — Educational AdministrationMSEducation39$11,661—No
MS in Education — Curriculum and InstructionMSEducation34$10,166—No
MS in Education — Special Education (High-Incidence)MSEducation36$10,764—No
MS in Education — Special Education (Gifted)MSEducation34$10,166—No
MS in Education — Reading SpecialistMSEducation34$10,166—No
MS in Education — English as a Second LanguageMSEducation34$10,166—No
MS in Education — School PsychologyMSEducation72$21,528NASP-approvedYes
MS in Counseling — Clinical Mental Health CounselingMSPsychology63$18,837CACREPYes
MS in Counseling — School CounselingMSEducation48$14,352CACREPYes
MS in Health and Human PerformanceMSHealthcare34$10,166—No
Master of Liberal StudiesMLSInterdisciplinary34$10,166—No
MS in Communication — Organizational CommunicationMSCommunication36$10,764—No
MS in GeosciencesMSOther34$10,166—No

Several patterns emerge from this table. Education programs dominate the catalog — nine of the sixteen programs sit within education or counseling. Most programs fall in the 34-credit range, keeping total costs near the $10,000 mark. The exceptions are the higher-credit clinical programs (counseling at 48–63 credits, school psychology at 72 credits), which cost more but still undercut national averages substantially. Only three programs — both counseling tracks and school psychology — require in-person practicum or internship hours.

Education is FHSU’s flagship subject area online, with eight distinct MS in Education tracks plus school counseling. These programs are structured around Kansas licensure and endorsement pathways — instructional technology, curriculum and instruction, educational administration, special education (high-incidence and gifted), reading specialist, ESL, and school psychology. Most are 34 credits and can be completed in 12–24 months. The educational administration track runs slightly longer at 39 credits and may require field experience. School psychology is the outlier: a 72-credit specialist-level program that’s NASP-approved and requires both practicum and internship placements. For students comparing education-focused institutions, OMC’s best online master’s in education rankings provide broader context. Those interested specifically in special education should also explore the best online master’s in special education rankings.

How Fort Hays State University Compares

Cost alone doesn’t determine fit. The comparison below places FHSU alongside three other affordable, accessible online master’s institutions — each with a different institutional model, learning structure, and program profile. The purpose isn’t to declare a winner. It’s to clarify what kind of student each institution serves best.

DimensionFHSUWGUCumberlandsSNHU
Tuition Per Credit~$299Flat-rate ~$4,295/6-month term~$199–$300~$627
Total Online Master’s Programs15+30+30+170+
Learning ModelAsynchronous, semester-basedCompetency-based, self-pacedAsynchronous, term-basedAsynchronous, term-based
Business AccreditationACBSPACBSPNone listedACBSP
Counseling AccreditationCACREPN/A (no counseling programs)CACREPCACREP
Admissions AccessibilityHigh (no GRE/GMAT, rolling)High (no GRE/GMAT)High (no GRE/GMAT, rolling)High (no GRE/GMAT, rolling)
Brand RecognitionRegional (Midwest)National (non-traditional)Regional (Appalachia/Southeast)National

Key takeaways from this comparison:

  • The comparison reveals FHSU’s position clearly. It’s the cheapest traditional-credit option in this group and matches or exceeds peers on programmatic accreditations in counseling and business. However, its program catalog is smaller than WGU, Cumberlands, or SNHU — meaning students with niche interests (data analytics, cybersecurity, public health) may not find what they need at FHSU. Brand recognition is the starkest difference: SNHU and WGU have invested heavily in national visibility, while FHSU remains primarily known in the Midwest.

The structural difference here is fundamental: WGU uses a competency-based model where you pay a flat rate per six-month term and advance by passing assessments, while FHSU uses a traditional credit-hour model with semester schedules. If you’re a fast, self-directed learner, WGU’s model can be cheaper and faster. If you prefer structured coursework with regular instructor interaction on a predictable semester timeline, FHSU’s traditional model may be more comfortable. WGU also offers a broader program catalog — particularly in IT, healthcare management, and nursing — areas where FHSU has limited or no options. For counseling specifically, FHSU wins on programmatic accreditation: WGU does not offer CACREP-accredited counseling programs.

Best For

Not every affordable university is right for every budget-conscious student. FHSU delivers the most value for specific profiles — students whose needs align with what this institution actually does well, not just what it charges.

  • Budget-driven students who prioritize cost above brand. If your primary filter is spending the least amount of money on a regionally accredited master’s degree from a public university, FHSU belongs on your short list. At roughly $10,000–$11,000 for most programs, the math is hard to beat. This matters most for students who are self-funding their degrees, who want to minimize or avoid student loan debt, or whose employers offer tuition reimbursement with a per-credit cap that FHSU’s $299 rate falls comfortably under.
  • Working K-12 educators seeking Kansas licensure endorsements. FHSU’s education portfolio is specifically built around Kansas licensure pathways — educational administration, special education, reading specialist, ESL, and school counseling all map to Kansas endorsement requirements. If you’re a teacher or school leader in Kansas or a state with reciprocity, FHSU offers a direct, affordable credentialing path. Educators outside Kansas should verify whether their state accepts FHSU’s programs for licensure before enrolling.
  • Students seeking CACREP-accredited counseling at a low price point. Finding a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling or school counseling program under $20,000 is genuinely difficult. FHSU delivers both. For students planning to pursue LPC licensure or school counseling certification, the CACREP credential removes a significant barrier — and the price point keeps debt manageable during the years of supervised practice required before full licensure.
  • Career changers and non-traditional students who need accessible admissions. Rolling admissions, no GRE/GMAT requirements for most programs, and reasonable GPA thresholds mean FHSU is accessible to students who may have been out of school for years or whose undergraduate records don’t reflect their current capability. The Master of Liberal Studies is particularly relevant for career changers who want a graduate credential without committing to a narrow discipline.
  • Students who thrive in asynchronous, self-managed learning environments. FHSU’s online programs don’t require synchronous sessions. If your work schedule is unpredictable or you’re in a different time zone, the asynchronous format gives you genuine flexibility. The semester structure adds enough scaffolding to keep you on track without demanding real-time participation.

Not a Best Fit For

FHSU’s strengths are real, but they come with trade-offs that make it a poor fit for certain student profiles. This section isn’t about criticizing the institution — it’s about preventing a mismatch that costs you time, money, or career momentum.

Students who need elite brand recognition. If you’re pursuing a master’s degree to break into highly competitive industries — top-tier consulting, investment banking, elite tech firms, or academic research positions — FHSU’s name won’t carry the weight you need. Employers in these fields typically filter for degrees from nationally ranked or R1 institutions. FHSU is regionally respected but not nationally prominent, and that distinction matters in brand-sensitive job markets.

Students who specifically need AACSB-accredited business programs. FHSU’s MBA is accredited by ACBSP, which is a legitimate business accreditation — but it’s not AACSB. Some employers, particularly in finance and at large corporations, specifically prefer or require AACSB credentials. If your target employers or industry norms prioritize AACSB, institutions like Arizona State University or Indiana University Online offer online AACSB-accredited MBAs, though at significantly higher cost.

Students who want immersive synchronous or cohort-based learning. FHSU’s asynchronous model works well for flexibility but doesn’t offer the structured peer interaction, real-time discussion, or cohort progression that some students find essential for accountability and networking. If you want a tight-knit cohort experience or regular live seminars, look at institutions that design their programs around synchronous components.

Students seeking specialized STEM, engineering, or data science programs. FHSU’s online catalog doesn’t include programs in computer science, engineering, data analytics, cybersecurity, or quantitative STEM disciplines. If those are your target fields, institutions like Purdue University or [Georgia Tech] (not in catalog) offer what FHSU cannot.

Students who need robust career services, alumni networks, or large-scale student support. FHSU is a small regional university. Its career services, alumni network, and student support infrastructure reflect that scale. Students who rely on institutional career placement, extensive advising, or a large alumni community for post-graduation networking may find FHSU’s offerings thinner than what University of Maryland Global Campus or SNHU provides.

International students who need globally recognized credentials. FHSU’s name recognition outside the United States is limited. International students planning to work in their home countries or in global markets post-graduation should consider whether a Kansas regional public university degree will carry the recognition they need with foreign employers or credentialing bodies.

While FHSU’s entire online portfolio benefits from the same low-cost structure, a few programs stand out as particularly strong options — either because of their accreditation, their cost-to-value ratio, or their distinctiveness in the broader online master’s market.

At approximately $10,166 total with seven concentration options, FHSU’s MBA is one of the cheapest accredited MBA programs in the country. The ACBSP accreditation ensures the curriculum meets recognized business education standards, and the concentration variety (accounting, finance, marketing, management, international business, tourism/hospitality) gives students meaningful specialization without the cost premium typical of MBA programs. This is a standout for students who want an accredited MBA credential primarily for career advancement in mid-market or regional employers — not for breaking into Wall Street or McKinsey.

Admissions Snapshot

FHSU’s admissions approach is designed for access, not exclusion. The university positions itself as a gateway to graduate education for working adults — and the admissions requirements reflect that philosophy.

Across most online master’s programs, the general admissions framework includes a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum undergraduate GPA (typically around 2.5–3.0 depending on the program), official transcripts, and a completed online application. Most programs do not require the GRE or GMAT, and rolling admissions means there’s no single application deadline — you can apply and start in fall, spring, or summer for most programs.

The exceptions matter. Counseling programs (Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling) may have additional requirements including a personal statement, professional references, and potentially an interview. The School Psychology program uses deadline-based admissions with a fall-only start, reflecting its more structured, cohort-oriented progression.

Admissions FactorDetails
Bachelor’s Degree RequiredYes (regionally accredited institution)
Minimum GPA~2.5–3.0 (varies by program)
GRE/GMAT RequiredNo (most programs)
Admissions ModelRolling (most programs); Deadline-based (School Psychology)
Start DatesFall, Spring, Summer (most programs); Fall only (School Psychology)
Additional RequirementsCounseling programs may require personal statement, references, interview
International StudentsTOEFL/IELTS required for non-native English speakers

For students who have been out of school for several years or whose undergraduate GPA was below a 3.0, FHSU’s admissions profile is forgiving compared to more selective institutions. This accessibility is a genuine strength for non-traditional students — but it also means that classroom peers may have varying levels of academic preparation, which can affect the rigor of peer-to-peer learning in some programs.

Tuition and Cost Overview

Cost is FHSU’s headline advantage, and it deserves a clear breakdown. The Virtual College charges a flat per-credit tuition rate to all online students regardless of residency — meaning a student in California pays the same as a student in Hays, Kansas. This is not a temporary promotion or a conditional rate; it’s the standard pricing structure for FHSU’s online programs.

To see how FHSU’s total costs compare to other programs on your list, the OMC graduate school cost calculator can help you model expenses across institutions. For a broader look at affordable options, the most affordable online master’s programs ranking provides additional context.

Cost ComponentDetails
Per-Credit Tuition~$299 (flat rate, all online students)
Estimated Total Cost (34 credits)~$10,166
Estimated Total Cost (63 credits — Clinical MH Counseling)~$18,837
FeesMinimal technology and course fees may apply; vary by program
Financial Aid AvailableYes — federal financial aid (FAFSA), scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement accepted

FHSU’s Virtual College rate of approximately $299 per credit hour applies uniformly to all online master’s students. There is no out-of-state surcharge for online programs, which is a meaningful differentiator — many public universities charge online students a higher rate if they live outside the university’s home state. At $299, FHSU’s per-credit rate is roughly 40–60% below the national average for online master’s tuition at public institutions, which typically ranges from $500 to $800 per credit.

Visit Fort Hays State University’s official online programs page

To see how FHSU fits into the broader landscape of online master’s education, the following OMC rankings provide useful context:

  • Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs — FHSU’s per-credit rate positions it as a contender on any affordability-focused list. This ranking helps you compare FHSU’s cost advantage against other budget-friendly institutions.
  • Best Online Master’s in Education — With nine education-related programs, FHSU’s education portfolio is its deepest subject area. This ranking contextualizes where FHSU’s education offerings sit relative to the broader field.
  • Best Online MBA Programs — FHSU’s ACBSP-accredited MBA with seven concentrations at ~$10,166 total is a distinctive value proposition. This ranking helps you evaluate it alongside other affordable and accredited MBA options.
  • Accredited Online Master’s Programs — For students whose primary concern is attending a properly accredited institution, this ranking confirms which online programs meet recognized accreditation standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is the regional accrediting body for institutions in the North Central region of the United States. Regional accreditation is the highest institutional accreditation standard and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This means credits and degrees from FHSU are broadly accepted by employers and other accredited institutions for transfer or further education.