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Fairmont State University vs Marshall University

Fairmont State University is a public university in Fairmont, WV, and Marshall University is a public university in Huntington, WV. Marshall University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 99% at Fairmont State University. Marshall University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $7,502 a year against $9,032 at Fairmont State University. About 50% of students graduate at Marshall University, compared with 46% at Fairmont State University. Ten years after enrolling, Fairmont State University alumni earn a median of about $46,857, against $46,354 for Marshall University.

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Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV · Public

Marshall University

Huntington, WV · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fairmont, WV
Huntington, WV
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,590
7,266
Acceptance rate
99%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
810–1070
910–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
19–24
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,032
$7,502
Full cost / yr
$20,018
$22,022
In-state tuition
$8,708
$9,162
Out-of-state tuition
$18,924
$20,342
Application fee
Not reported
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,434
$4,648
$30k - $48k
$8,679
$4,430
$48k - $75k
$10,505
$6,837
$75k - $110k
$11,184
$11,227
Over $110k
$6,945
$15,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
50%
Freshman retention
67%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,197
$39,561
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,857
$46,354
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
39%
First-generation students
41%
37%
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 Marshall University harder to get into?
Marshall University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 99% at Fairmont State University. 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 Marshall University?
Marshall University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $7,502 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $9,032 at Fairmont State University. 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 Marshall University?
Before aid, Fairmont State University costs about $20,018 a year and Marshall University about $22,022. 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 Marshall University?
Marshall University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,648 there, against about $8,434 at Fairmont State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Fairmont State University or Marshall University?
Marshall University is the larger of the two, with about 7,266 undergraduates against 2,590 at Fairmont State University.
Does Fairmont State University or Marshall University have a better graduation rate?
Marshall University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 46% at Fairmont State University.
Do graduates of Fairmont State University or Marshall University earn more?
Fairmont State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $46,857 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,354 for Marshall University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fairmont State University and Marshall University require SAT or ACT scores?
Fairmont State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Marshall University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Fairmont State University and Marshall University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 810–1070 at Fairmont State University and 910–1150 at Marshall University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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