Frequently Asked Questions
What will the program cost?
Tuition, fees, and textbooks are provided by the state of Kansas and KAMS for up to 68 credit hours total for students attending from a public school in Kansas. This is provided through state funding and state appropriations via the passing of Senate Bill 139. KAMS also loans a laptop computer and textbooks to each Kansas public school student to use during the academic year. Private school students, students attending from schools/programs that do not receive Kansas base state aid, out-of-state students, and international students are responsible for all program costs. Please see our FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE page for additional information.
Do KAMS students receive financial assistance?
Due to being high school students, KAMS students are not eligible to apply for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA). KAMS does provide a few scholarship options to domestic students to assist with the financial obligations of the program. Please see our FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE page for additional information.
What kind of meal plan is included?
Students are required to enroll in a meal plan when living on campus. Students are given three different options for a meal plan. All KAMS students are required to choose the Open Access plan during their first semester, which includes unlimited meal swipes and $450 dining dollars per semester. After a student's first semester is completed, they can opt in to a lesser 10-meal/week plan, which includes $500 dining dollars per semester, or the 7-meal/week plan, which includes $600 dining dollars per semester. KAMS students have convenient access to the McMindes Dining Facility across the street from Custer Hall and the FHSU campus also features the Tiger Market in the Union, Grab-&-Go stores, a pizza cafe, sandwich shop, and Starbucks.
Can I apply to KAMS if I currently attend a private high school in Kansas?
Yes, students currently attending private high schools in Kansas may apply to KAMS. If they are accepted, costs will not be defrayed by the state of Kansas or KAMS. Private school students, students attending from schools/programs that do not receive Kansas base state aid, out-of-state students, and international students are responsible for all program costs.
Can I attend KAMS for one year only?
KAMS was built and implemented as a two-year program. Students must begin KAMS at the start of their junior (11th) grade year of high school. We cannot admit a student for a junior or senior year only. Once a student begins their junior year at their high school, they are no longer qualified to apply to or attend KAMS.
I'm a student from another U.S. state. Can I still apply?
Yes! Domestic students from other states can visit our Academy of Mathematics and Science webpage for out-of-state student application and admission information. Note that out-of-state students are responsible for all program costs.
How can I schedule a campus visit?
We highly encourage any interested student and their family visit KAMS/AMS to see what life is like as an Academy student. There are a couple of different ways to visit:
- Preview Day: This official visit day is an opportunity for students and families to learn about all things KAMS! Preview Day is held once every fall, usually on a Saturday. Students and guests will spend a full day on the FHSU campus learning about the KAMS application process, admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, research perks, and more. Attendees will receive a tour of campus and the Academy's residential facility and hear from faculty, staff, and current KAMS students about their experiences. Keep an eye on the VISIT CAMPUS tab for yearly event information and registration. The event is free and open to the public.
- Personalized Campus Visit (On-Campus or Virtual): Students and families have the option to schedule a personalized campus visit to KAMS on any day of the week (Monday-Friday). At a virtual visit, students will be sent a link to tour the FHSU campus virtually. You will also receive a private Zoom meeting with a KAMS staff member to discuss the program. On-campus visits will include a walking tour of the FHSU campus and Academy living facility and a meeting with a KAMS staff member. To schedule your visit, please contact our office at 785-628-4690 or kams@fhsu.edu.
Do KAMS students take regular college courses?
Yes, KAMS students are integrated directly into the academic community at FHSU with traditional college students. We believe that having KAMS students work alongside traditional FHSU students will benefit both the KAMS students and the FHSU student body. KAMS/AMS students are not majoring in any specific discipline while in the program, but our curriculum is heavily focused on STEM. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE KAMS/AMS CURRICULUM.
What does a typical KAMS student's day look like?
KAMS students follow a typical college class schedule. Classes generally meet on either a Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule. The majority of courses are scheduled between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM with the possibility of some evening labs. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE KAMS/AMS CURRICULUM.
While 14-18 hours per week in the classroom may not seem like a lot, keep in mind that every 1 hour spent in the classroom will likely require 2-3 hours of study outside of class.
Will KAMS students be able to do research projects?
Yes! One of the most exciting things that KAMS offers is the opportunity for early college students to work with Ph.D. faculty on research projects. Students are required to conduct at least three credit hours of official college research prior to the completion of their senior year in KAMS.
Will credit earned at KAMS be transferable to other universities?
In general, yes, the FHSU college credits will be transferable. Keep in mind: there are hundreds of universities in the United States and the staff at KAMS is unable to determine the exact transferability of credits in advance for every university. Students will need to work closely with their KAMS Academic Advisor in determining whether or not credits will transfer to the university they plan on attending after KAMS completion.
What college majors or career paths will attendance at KAMS benefit most?
It is our belief that KAMS will benefit students no matter their ultimate major or career choice. Alumni of KAMS have received bachelor's degrees in a number of subjects, ranging from biology, finance, music, philosophy, engineering, mathematics, education, physics, and beyond. KAMS alumni have also earned degrees from a variety of graduate and professional programs, including: law school, business school, medical school, pharmacy school, and Ph.D.-level graduate programs in a variety of disciplines. Many KAMS alums are doctors, lawyers, teachers, musicians, engineers, business professionals, professors, programmers, research scientists, and military officers to name a few.
Where do KAMS students live?
KAMS students live in the uniquely dedicated Custer Hall on the FHSU campus. Custer Hall was renovated specifically for KAMS/AMS and includes space for the KAMS/AMS offices and living quarters for the students. The hall features special security measures, such as locked entrances and exits, cameras at the entrance/exit of each floor and in each common area, and additional staff for supervision.
The residential wings are separated by gender and each room is shared by two KAMS/AMS students. A typical Custer Hall room size is 12 1/2' x 14'. The windows are approximately 10 feet long and include one big panel and two small panels and dark colored blinds. Curtains can be hung but the use of nails or drilling is prohibited. Each student is provided with an extra-long twin bed, a desk, chair, dresser, and a wardrobe in each room. Click here to take a virtual tour of Custer Hall!
What items should I bring with me to campus?
For a list of suggested items to bring, please click here .
What safety precautions are being taken for KAMS students?
The safety of KAMS/AMS students is a top priority for the KAMS & FHSU staff. Access to the Academy's residential hall is limited during the evenings and all day on weekends. Access to residential floors is restricted. Access to the residential wings that are separated by gender is also restricted. Students have curfews they must meet each evening and they are required to check in and out when leaving campus. If students choose to go home for the weekend or at any time (as needed), a parent/guardian must complete paperwork in advance to give their student permission to leave campus overnight.
Will KAMS students be supervised?
Yes! Unlike a typical college student, KAMS students have many layers of supervision. In addition to the Early College Programs Director, a number of staff members will supervise the students each day. There is Community Advisor living on each wing, professional staff that visit the hall every evening to check on the students and to make sure curfew is met, and a live-in, adult Community Hall Director supervising life in Custer Hall during the school year. Students and families also have access to an on-call number that can be used 24/7 day or night to contact a staff member in case of emergency.
What support services are in place for students?
KAMS/AMS has an Academic Advisor/School Counselor on staff to help students with their academic needs, registration in FHSU courses, and the college search & selection process. The KAMS/AMS Personal Counselor, in conjunction with FHSU's Health & Wellness Services Office, will offer help with the typical challenges faced by students new to college, such as homesickness, stress, anxiety, etc. The FHSU campus also features a variety of tutoring services, a Writing Center, Career Exploration department, and Student Health Office.
Are KAMS students allowed to have vehicles on campus?
Yes, but only with parent/guardian permission. Parking is available on campus and around the Academy living facility. As a reminder, students are required to complete a sign in/out form when they leave campus and when they return. Overnight travel is allowed if the proper paperwork is completed by parents/guardians and approved by an Early College Programs professional staff member in advance.
Can KAMS students participate in extracurricular activities & sports teams?
KAMS understands the integral role of student organizations and activities in student life. KAMS students are able to form their own clubs and/or join one or more of FHSU's 120 student organizations. You may review a sample list of competition opportunities and clubs/organizations available to our students HERE.
KAMS students are not permitted to join FHSU's greek life or NCAA athletic teams. KAMS students are also not permitted to participate in KSHSAA-sanctioned high school athletics or activities. KAMS students can participate in FHSU's intramural activities if they are interested in remaining physically active during their time in the program.
Can a KAMS student have a job?
Students are not allowed to have a job during their first semester in KAMS to allow for a smooth transition to college life. After the first semester, as long as the student remains in good standing with KAMS, they are welcome to apply for a part-time student job on the FHSU campus only.
What churches are available for KAMS students to attend?
There are many places of worship available in Hays, including: Assembly of God, Baha'i Faith, Baptist, Catholic, Charismatic, Church of Christ, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Episcopal, Evangelical, Jehovah's Witness, Lutheran, Mennonite, Messianic, Methodist, Nazarene, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Seventh Day Sabbath, and several non-denominational options. If you do not see your religious preference listed, please contact us. Our program respects and values diversity and we will work to accommodate your religious preference.
How can I ship/mail something to a KAMS student?
To SHIP (UPS/FED EX/ETC) to a student please send it to:
Student Name
Custer Hall Room #
420 Custer Drive
Hays, KS 67601
To MAIL (POST OFFICE) to a student please send it to:
Student Name
1 Custer Hall
Custer Hall Room #
Hays, KS 67601
How can I ship/mail something to the KAMS office?
To SHIP (UPS/FED EX/ETC) to a KAMS staff member please send it to:
FHSU/KAMS
420 Custer Drive
Custer Hall 241
Hays, KS 67601
To MAIL (POST OFFICE) to a KAMS staff member please send it to:
FHSU/KAMS
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601