Students choose FHSU for its affordability and community

Story and Photos by RORY MOORE Video by JILLIAN SCHAEFER and MADELYN HATCH

Tiger Media Network

Thousands of students attend Fort Hays State University yearly with various backgrounds and individual paths toward their degree plans. Some are initially from Hays, while others moved out of state to complete their education at the college. 

One common reason students choose FHSU is the affordable cost of attending.

Faith Ruthstron, a freshman majoring in elementary education, came to Hays not only for its affordability but also for the atmosphere of the community.

“It’s like you get your education worth for your cost,” she said. “Since I came from a small school, I like the small atmosphere. Hays has a good education program, especially for my major.”

She also chose FHSU for its social life and support.

“I know a lot of people here, and it seems like a good environment,” Ruthstron said. “They’re very helpful, caring, and the teachers actually care about your work.”

For sophomore Lilly Beauvais, moving to Hays was the right decision for the same reasons. 

“It was kind of a last-minute decision,” she said. “I had a friend who had told me about it, and it was honestly because the tuition was affordable so that way, I didn’t have to be in too much debt for college. Also, I love the small town here. I love the community and the people that I met here.”

Beauvais also chose Fort Hays because of its size compared to other colleges.

“It felt like a good school that wasn’t too big but big enough where I felt like I was getting out of my comfort zone,” Beauvais said. “I was going to go to CSU In Fort Collins, Colo. because that’s where I’m from, but I realized it was too big of a school for me. It made me nervous, and it was far too expensive. Then I was looking to go to a school in Arizona, but it was also the same thing; too expensive, too hot.”

Another reason students chose FHSU was the positive word of mouth they received from others.

“I heard nothing but good things about the school,” said Xandria Van Winkle, a social work major. “It was like a small community where everyone’s really close, so I knew I could bond with my professors.”

Not only did Van Winkle seek a sense of belonging on campus, but also for the opportunity to know her professors personally for a better education experience. 

“I like professors actually knowing my name,” she said. “In big schools, you’re just another face, but professors here know who I am, so they can help me further my education and set me up for the professional field.”

In addition to out-of-state expats, Hays has seen numerous international students move in to attend FHSU for its tuition cost and familial connection.

“My sister schooled here back in 2014,” said Joshua Shikoya, a computer science major. “She kind of advised me to come here all the way from Nigeria, and for me, having to meet new people and experience a new environment is always important.” 

Many international students also attend FHSU for the assistance it offers in making them feel comfortable on campus and adjusted to life in the community.

“I feel they have good resources to help me get to where I want to be later in life,” Shikoya said. “The teachers do their job, especially when it comes to the library, tutors and staff. They provide enough for us here at Fort Hays.”