Scholarship opportunities are an excellent way of reducing the cost of college education. Numerous studies have shown that students who receive scholarships have more time to focus on their studies while delivering higher grades. Furthermore, scholarships can be the difference between college affordability and being unable to meet all education-related expenses.

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers many different scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages for you. From merit-based, university-level scholarships to college-specific, needs-based packages, there are many in-house scholarship opportunities that you can explore. Some of our university-level scholarships are awarded automatically to high-performing incoming freshmen (based on ACT/SAT scores and GPA), while others are alumni-funded and may require a separate application process.

FHSU is able to provide competitive funding packages due to the generosity of alumni, employers, friends, and other sponsors. With multiple funding sources, students have access to various opportunities based on both need and merit. Most scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen, but some are also available to continuing students who demonstrate excellent achievement as part of their studies. And because scholarships are renewable throughout the course of most 4-year degree programs, these opportunities can reduce the cost burden of college education and create an environment in which students thrive.

The following are the primary sources of in-house scholarship opportunities:

Scholarships at the University Level
Most university-level scholarships are offered to incoming full-time freshmen. Most are awarded automatically based on merit, where admission personnel will review your ACT/SAT score as well as high school GPA. Receipt of university-level scholarships will be based on your verified academic record. You can receive as much as $15,000 in automatic university scholarships, renewable for 3 additional years. This funding may come from one or more sources. For example, there is the Tiger Pride Scholarship, the Victor E. Scholarship, the Black and Gold Scholarship, or the Hays City Scholarship that are based on ACT scores. These awards may also be combined with Academic Opportunity Awards, which have requirements set by the specific department major.

FHSU also helps with the college planning process by providing an online scholarship estimator. By putting in your test score and high school GPA, you can estimate your award amount at the university level.

Scholarships at the College/Department Level
FHSU also offers departmental/college level scholarships for incoming and continuing students. These may require an additional application process and are dependent on a student’s course of study. For example, the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting offer scholarships that are based on a student’s major, academic year in college, and cumulative GPA.

All colleges at FHSU offer department-specific funding, providing more opportunities for students to afford a college education. You can find a breakdown online of all department-specific scholarships. Applying early increases your chances of consideration, so make sure you apply by November 15th for the priority deadline, and February 15th for the final deadline.

Out-of-State Scholarships
FHSU welcomes students from different locations and backgrounds. We value diversity and believe that such students add value to the college experience and campus life. There are funding opportunities available for out-of-state students, with scholarships as much as $30,800 available over the course of 4 years. For high school students graduating from Arizona, Iowa, Texas, or Wyoming, Special Out-of-State (SOS) scholarships are also available.

Athletic Scholarships
Student athletes also have access to specific funding opportunities that are provided through the Athletics Department. You can learn more by submitting your information as a prospective FSHU athlete.

As you can see, there are many in-house scholarship opportunities available at Fort Hays State University. We’re here to help you make the most of your college experience, and that starts with alleviating some of the financial burden that some may think of when evaluating colleges. 

If you have other questions, you can also download our checklist, “10 Questions to Ask Your College Admissions Advisor.”