By RYLEE BURD
Tiger Media Network
Fort Hays State University’s fall 2025 20th-day enrollment report shows continued stability with encouraging signs of growth among undergraduate and on-campus students.
According to official data, FHSU enrolled 12,849 students this fall—just 29 fewer than in 2024, a decrease of only 0.2%. Despite the slight drop in headcount, the university’s student credit hours (SCH) increased by 2.2%, signaling that students are taking fuller course loads.
“We were basically flat this year, but the real story is the undergraduate growth,” said Associate Vice President for Enrollment Leadership Dennis King. “Our on-campus and online undergraduate programs both grew, which is a great long-term indicator of stability.”
On-campus enrollment rose to 3,804 students, up from 3,742 last fall. Online enrollment held steady at 5,971, while FHSU’s international partner campuses—primarily located in China—accounted for 3,074 students, slightly down from 3,162 in 2024. Domestic enrollment increased by 60 students, bringing the U.S.-based total to 9,775.
The university also reported its fourth consecutive year of growth in new on-campus freshmen, with 941 students entering this fall—up from 915 last year and 820 in 2021.
King said the consistent increase in first-year students reflects long-term progress.
“When you’re turning enrollment, it’s like turning the Titanic—it takes time,” he said. “But our undergraduate growth shows that we’re moving in the right direction.”
This fall, 3,494 international students are taking courses through FHSU, including 179 on campus, 241 online, and 3,074 through international partnerships abroad. Director of Global Affairs Haley Williams said international interest in FHSU remains strong due to the university’s affordability and community environment.
“Being a rural, safe, and affordable option makes Fort Hays very attractive to international students,” Williams said. “We’re rooted in Kansas, but we’re truly reaching the world through the way we do international education.”
According to the Kansas Board of Regents’ 2025 Fall Enrollment Report, Fort Hays State was one of four Kansas public universities to report either stable or increased student credit hour totals compared to last year, highlighting the university’s continued academic engagement despite a nearly flat headcount.
While enrollment at Chinese partner schools dipped slightly due to language proficiency requirements and national recruitment quotas, Williams said FHSU remains optimistic. The university plans to expand recruitment efforts this academic year with travel to China, Cambodia, West Africa, and South America, including the development of a new partnership in Brazil.
FHSU’s strongest program areas this fall include Health Sciences, Allied Health and Nursing, Social Work, and Health and Human Performance (HHP)—all of which continue to see steady student demand. King said these programs align with both state and national workforce trends, noting that continued investment in new health-related facilities and labs reflects the university’s commitment to meeting growing needs.
Even with overall enrollment remaining nearly flat, FHSU leaders view this fall’s numbers as a sign of momentum.
“The more of us there are, the stronger we are—on campus and in the job market,” King said. “Our undergraduate growth and strong student credit hour numbers show that Fort Hays State is building long-term stability for the future.”
As the university looks toward Fall 2026, FHSU leaders say their focus will remain on supporting student success and improving recruitment strategies. King noted that the university is reviewing potential scholarship adjustments and new partnership initiatives while continuing to evaluate programs like the Empowered Dreams Scholarship and other financial aid opportunities designed to make FHSU more accessible.
“Our goal is to make sure the right students get the right information at the right time,” King said. “We’re always looking for ways to adapt, improve, and strengthen our connection with future Tigers.”