University of West Alabama vs. Fort Hays State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL with Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fort Hays State University is larger than University of West Alabama based on total student enrollment (12,878 students vs. 6,820 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Fort Hays State University is in Hays, KS (Remote Town setting).
• University of West Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fort Hays State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Alabama 19:1; Fort Hays State University 15:1.

University of West Alabama vs. Fort Hays State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Alabama or Fort Hays State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Fort Hays State University than University of West Alabama ($13,186 vs. $13,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 9.8% lower than at Fort Hays State University ($8,230 vs. $9,120).
• University of West Alabama is 85.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fort Hays State University (about $5,067 more per year; $10,990.00 vs. $5,923.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at University of West Alabama than at Fort Hays State University (about $2,349 more per year; $20,090.00 vs. $17,741.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of West Alabama than at Fort Hays State University (93% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of West Alabama students is 33.9% larger than aid received by Fort Hays State University students ($9,037 vs. $6,751).

University of West Alabama vs. Fort Hays State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Alabama or Fort Hays State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Fort Hays State University and University of West Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fort Hays State University (1060) is 70 points higher than at University of West Alabama (990).
• Incoming Fort Hays State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at University of West Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Fort Hays State University 970/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Fort Hays State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; Fort Hays State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fort Hays State University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• Fort Hays State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 41.8% at Fort Hays State University.

University of West Alabama vs. Fort Hays State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Alabama and Fort Hays State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Fort Hays State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than University of West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from Fort Hays State University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than University of West Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,400 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have a $5,771 lower median loan debt than University of West Alabama graduates ($20,718 vs. $26,489).
• Among borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Alabama graduates ($214 vs. $273).
• More Fort Hays State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Alabama students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 36%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.