Head-to-head · 2026
Fort Hays State University vs Independence Community College
Compare average net price ($12,569 at Fort Hays State University; $3,265 at Independence Community College), ROI score (9.73 vs 26.75), ten-year median earnings ($48,928 vs $34,941), and admissions context (90.3% at Fort Hays State University; Open / not reported at Independence Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Independence Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Independence Community College 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 | Fort Hays State University | Independence Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.73 | 26.75 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $12,569 | $3,265 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $48,928 ✓ | $34,941 |
| Acceptance rate | 90.3% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 47.7% ✓ | 26.3% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $6,115 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 9,733 | 486 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1089 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Fort Hays State University costs $9,304 more per year than Independence Community College ($12,569 vs $3,265). Fort Hays State University graduates report $13,987 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,928 vs $34,941). On EduGradify's model that puts Independence Community College ahead on projected ROI (26.75 vs 9.73, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Independence Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Fort Hays State University reports 90.3% acceptance; Independence Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Fort Hays State University vs Independence Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Fort Hays State University or Independence Community College the better value?
Independence Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (26.75 vs 9.73), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Independence Community College is cheaper — average net price $3,265 per year vs $12,569 at Fort Hays State University. The annual difference of $9,304 adds up to about $37,216 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Fort Hays State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,928 vs $34,941 at Independence Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,987.
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. Fort Hays State University reports a B value grade; Independence Community College reports A+.