Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Fairmont State University logo

Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV·Public·2,590 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families who need the lowest possible cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 2,590 students.

99%
Accept
2,590
Students
$9,032
Net Price
44%
Grad Rate
$38,400
Earnings
10 yr
$21,000
Debt

About This School

Fairmont State University is a public institution located in Fairmont, West Virginia with approximately 2,590 undergraduate students enrolled. Fairmont State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 99%. The average net price after financial aid is $9,032 per year. The graduation rate is 44%, and the typical graduate earns $38,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Fairmont State University is a public university in Fairmont, West Virginia, United States.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $9,055/year after aid and only $12,500 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the most affordable college options you'll find anywhere. However, the 48% graduation rate and 64% freshman retention rate are real concerns — nearly half of students who start here don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. Worth considering if cost is your top priority and you have a clear plan to stay on track, but look closely at support services and ask hard questions about why so many students leave.

Founded
1865
Setting
Distant town
Avg Faculty Salary
$7,101

Popular Programs

Health Professions29%
Business & Marketing11%
Social Sciences6%
Education6%
Psychology4%
Computer Science2%
Biological Sciences1%
Visual & Performing Arts1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Drew HankinsonHerbert Morrison

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Required

SAT Scores

Average Composite996
Reading 75th %ile560
Math 75th %ile510

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,708
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,924
Avg Net Price
$9,032
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$8,434
$30–48k$8,679
$48–75k$10,505
$75–110k$11,184
$110k+$6,945

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants34%
Median debt at graduation$21,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
44%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
67%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,000
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$35,600
Female graduates$25,800

Gap: 28% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White86%
Black6%
Two or more races5%
International1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,590 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Fairmont State University

1201 Locust Ave

Fairmont, WV 26554-2470

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in West Virginia

Browse all West Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.