Fairmont State University logo

Fairmont State University

Accept Rate
99.24%
Grad Rate
47.3%
Enrollment
2,690
Avg SAT
993
Tuition
$8,454
Median Salary
$46,857
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Fairmont State University offers a small, close-knit public college experience with a strong sense of community. The campus is known for its supportive faculty and affordable education in a traditional college town setting.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

99.24%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 99375th Pctl
8301040
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2075th Pctl
1723
1122436

Admissions Tips

Apply with a GPA above 2.5 to meet general admission standards comfortably. Submit your FAFSA early to maximize eligibility for federal and state aid. Consider applying for scholarships through the university portal to reduce tuition costs.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
993
40080012001600
School range: 830โ€“1040

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university is recognized for its education, nursing, and criminal justice programs, providing practical career pathways. With a 99.24% acceptance rate, it offers accessible higher education focused on student success and retention.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
28.9%
Criminal Justice
10.1%
Business & Marketing
8.9%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
6.8%
Social Sciences
6.2%
Education
5.8%
Psychology
4.7%
Computer Science
2.8%
Biology & Biomedical
1.9%
Architecture
1.9%
History
1.6%
Visual & Performing Arts
1.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

47.3%
Graduation Rate
64.2%
Retention Rate
2,690
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$8,454
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$9,055
After financial aid
Total Cost
$18,091
Cost of attendance/year
33%
Receive Pell Grants
41.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Fairmont

Student life in Fairmont, WV, revolves around campus events, athletics, and local hangouts. The town offers a quiet, affordable living with access to outdoor activities like hiking and nearby river sports. Social options are limited compared to larger cities but foster strong campus connections.

Local Rent Check

$696 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Fairmont
Explore Fairmont

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$33,816
$0Est. 4 Years: $33,816

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($46,857):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Fairmont State maintains a relatively safe campus environment with standard security measures like patrols and emergency phones. The city of Fairmont has typical small-town crime rates, but students should remain aware of their surroundings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Very affordable tuition and fees for in-state students
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes admission accessible
  • โœ“ Strong programs in education and healthcare fields
  • โœ“ Small class sizes for personalized attention

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 47.3% is below national average
  • โœ— Limited nightlife and entertainment options in the area
  • โœ— Average SAT score of 993 may reflect less competitive academics

Notable Alumni

John D. Rockefeller IV
Former U.S. Senator from West Virginia and alumnus who contributed to state politics.
Joe Manchin
Current U.S. Senator from West Virginia, known for centrist policies and state advocacy.
Earl Ray Tomblin
Former Governor of West Virginia and Fairmont State graduate focused on education reform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Classes are typically small, with many under 25 students, allowing for **personalized interaction with professors**.

Yes, the university provides **select online and hybrid courses** to accommodate working students and those at a distance.

Students can access **federal grants, state aid, scholarships, and work-study programs** by completing the FAFSA and applying through the university.

Fairmont State offers **on-campus residence halls** with a range of options, and most first-year students are required to live on campus.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Walmart Fairmont Regional Medical Center Marion County Schools West Virginia State Government Amazon
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 3,498
  • In-State Tuition $8,454
  • Out-of-State $18,372
  • Zip Code 26554

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 43.9% โ™€ 56.1%

The Money Talk

With tuition at $8,454, Fairmont State provides high affordability for in-state students. The average earnings of $46,857 for graduates indicate a solid return on investment for a public university. Financial aid and scholarships further enhance the value for many attendees.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Colorado State University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $8,454
Housing (12 mo) $8,352
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $24,006
With avg financial aid:
$9,055/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.