Fairmont State University
About Fairmont State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Fairmont State University is a public university in Fairmont, West Virginia. It offers affordable programs in business, criminal justice, nursing, and engineering technology, providing accessible education in north-central West Virginia.
Founded
1865
Location
Fairmont, West Virginia
Students
2,807
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
98.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
44.3%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,708
Out-of-state: $18,924
Avg Net Price
$9,032
After financial aid
SAT Average
996
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$46,857
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Required
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Fairmont State University accepts the majority of applicants at 98.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
996/ 1600
ACT Scores
20/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
44.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
67.4%
4-Year Grad
28%
6-Year Grad
45%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
91.7%
$/Student
$8.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 28% graduation rate is below average, but 67.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,708
In-State
$18,924
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,656
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$20,018
After Financial Aid
$9,032
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,434
Receive Grants
34.3%
Take Loans
39.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $20,018/yr for in-state students, including $11,656 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $9,032. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $18,924.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Fairmont State University fund their education.
While in School
34.3%
Get Grants
Free money
39.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$41,285
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$223/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 39.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Fairmont State University.
Gender
57.3%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,590
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
217
Graduates
41.4%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
12.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 41.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
2,590
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Fairmont State University fields 12 varsity teams with 405 student athletes, about 16% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Mountain East
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
405
16% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
233
Men
172
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Fairmont State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$46,857
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$34K
58 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$36K
54 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$31K
47 grads
1yr Earnings
Education, General
$41K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$78K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
International Relations and National Security Studies
$36K
36 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $47K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fairmont State University
What is the acceptance rate at Fairmont State University?▾
How much does Fairmont State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Fairmont State University?▾
How much do Fairmont State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.