Fort Hays State University vs Bethel College-North Newton: which has better ROI?
Bethel College-North Newton has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $131,668 in 85.6 years versus 88.5 years at Fort Hays State University, on median earnings of $49,898 vs $48,928 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Fort Hays State University | Bethel College-North Newton |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,569 | $32,917 |
| Total net cost | $50,276 | $131,668 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,928 | $49,898 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $24,000 |
| Payback | 88.5 yrs | 85.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$38,916 | -$100,908 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Fort Hays State University or Bethel College-North Newton?
Fort Hays State University, at $12,569 a year after aid versus $32,917 — a gap of $20,348 a year, or $81,392 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Fort Hays State University or Bethel College-North Newton graduates earn more?
Bethel College-North Newton graduates report a median $49,898 ten years after entry, $970 more than the $48,928 at Fort Hays State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Fort Hays State University or Bethel College-North Newton?
Fort Hays State University: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $24,000 at Bethel College-North Newton, a difference of $3,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
48% of students finish at Fort Hays State University, against 41% at Bethel College-North Newton. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.