Head-to-head · 2026
Donnelly College vs Fort Hays State University
Compare average net price ($11,476 at Donnelly College; $12,569 at Fort Hays State University), ROI score (7.78 vs 9.73), ten-year median earnings ($35,715 vs $48,928), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Donnelly College; 90.3% at Fort Hays State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Fort Hays State University has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Fort Hays State University leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Donnelly College | Fort Hays State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.78 | 9.73 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,476 ✓ | $12,569 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $35,715 | $48,928 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 90.3% |
| Graduation rate | 45.8% | 47.7% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,842 ✓ | $21,000 |
| Enrollment | 395 | 9,733 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1089 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Fort Hays State University costs $1,093 more per year than Donnelly College ($12,569 vs $11,476). Fort Hays State University graduates report $13,213 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,928 vs $35,715). On EduGradify's model that puts Fort Hays State University ahead on projected ROI (9.73 vs 7.78, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Fort Hays State University) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Fort Hays State University reports 90.3% acceptance; Donnelly College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Donnelly College vs Fort Hays State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Donnelly College or Fort Hays State University the better value?
Fort Hays State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.73 vs 7.78), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Donnelly College is cheaper — average net price $11,476 per year vs $12,569 at Fort Hays State University. The annual difference of $1,093 adds up to about $4,372 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Fort Hays State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,928 vs $35,715 at Donnelly College. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,213.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Donnelly College reports a B value grade; Fort Hays State University reports B.