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Fairmont State University vs Salem University

Fairmont State University is a public university in Fairmont, WV, and Salem University is a private for-profit university in Salem, WV. Fairmont State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 99% of applicants against 100% at Salem University. Fairmont State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,032 a year against $12,303 at Salem University. About 46% of students graduate at Fairmont State University, compared with 24% at Salem University. Ten years after enrolling, Fairmont State University alumni earn a median of about $46,857, against $34,642 for Salem University.

Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV · Public

Salem University

Salem, WV · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Fairmont, WV
Salem, WV
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
2,590
892
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
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,032
$12,303
Full cost / yr
$20,018
$18,650
In-state tuition
$8,708
$11,900
Out-of-state tuition
$18,924
$11,900
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,434
$9,886
$30k - $48k
$8,679
$10,753
$48k - $75k
$10,505
$11,154
$75k - $110k
$11,184
$14,107
Over $110k
$6,945
$14,716
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
24%
Freshman retention
67%
55%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,197
$31,612
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,857
$34,642
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$24,694
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
75%
First-generation students
41%
54%
International students
1%
10%
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 Salem University harder to get into?
Fairmont State University is harder to get into. It admits about 99% of applicants, compared with 100% at Salem 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 Salem University?
Fairmont State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,032 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,303 at Salem 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 Salem University?
Before aid, Salem University costs about $18,650 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 Salem University?
Fairmont State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,434 there, against about $9,886 at Salem 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 Salem University?
Fairmont State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,590 undergraduates against 892 at Salem University.
Does Fairmont State University or Salem University have a better graduation rate?
Fairmont State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 46% against 24% at Salem University.
Do graduates of Fairmont State University or Salem University earn more?
Fairmont State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $46,857 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,642 for Salem University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fairmont State University and Salem University require SAT or ACT scores?
Fairmont State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Salem University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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