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Fairmont State University vs American Public University System

Fairmont State University is a public university in Fairmont, WV, and American Public University System is a private for-profit university in Charles Town, WV. Fairmont State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 99% of applicants against 100% at American Public University System. Fairmont State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,032 a year against $9,597 at American Public University System. About 55% of students graduate at American Public University System, compared with 46% at Fairmont State University. Ten years after enrolling, Fairmont State University alumni earn a median of about $46,857, against $44,409 for American Public University System.

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Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV · Public

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Fairmont, WV
Charles Town, WV
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,590
40,074
Acceptance rate
99%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
810–1070
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
Not reported
Test policy
Considered
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,032
$9,597
Full cost / yr
$20,018
$18,768
In-state tuition
$8,708
$8,400
Out-of-state tuition
$18,924
$8,400
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,434
$9,335
$30k - $48k
$8,679
$9,766
$48k - $75k
$10,505
$8,951
$75k - $110k
$11,184
$15,559
Over $110k
$6,945
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
55%
Freshman retention
67%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,197
$32,917
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,857
$44,409
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$21,743
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
25%
First-generation students
41%
53%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Fairmont State University or American Public University System harder to get into?
Fairmont State University is harder to get into. It admits about 99% of applicants, compared with 100% at American Public University System. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Fairmont State University or American Public University System?
Fairmont State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,032 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $9,597 at American Public University System. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Fairmont State University and American Public University System?
Before aid, American Public University System costs about $18,768 a year and Fairmont State University about $20,018. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Fairmont State University or American Public University System?
Fairmont State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,434 there, against about $9,335 at American Public University System. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Fairmont State University or American Public University System?
American Public University System is the larger of the two, with about 40,074 undergraduates against 2,590 at Fairmont State University.
Does Fairmont State University or American Public University System have a better graduation rate?
American Public University System has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 46% at Fairmont State University.
Do graduates of Fairmont State University or American Public University System earn more?
Fairmont State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $46,857 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,409 for American Public University System. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school