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Fairmont State University vs West Virginia State University

Fairmont State University is a public university in Fairmont, WV, and West Virginia State University is a public university in Institute, WV. West Virginia State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 99% at Fairmont State University. Fairmont State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,032 a year against $11,139 at West Virginia State University. About 46% of students graduate at Fairmont State University, compared with 36% at West Virginia State University. Ten years after enrolling, Fairmont State University alumni earn a median of about $46,857, against $40,492 for West Virginia State University.

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Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV · Public

West Virginia State University

Institute, WV · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fairmont, WV
Institute, WV
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,590
1,321
Acceptance rate
99%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
810–1070
760–1040
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
15–20
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$9,032
$11,139
Full cost / yr
$20,018
$19,772
In-state tuition
$8,708
$9,570
Out-of-state tuition
$18,924
$14,990
Application fee
Not reported
$20
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,434
$9,457
$30k - $48k
$8,679
$10,225
$48k - $75k
$10,505
$10,703
$75k - $110k
$11,184
$13,798
Over $110k
$6,945
$17,355
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
36%
Freshman retention
67%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,197
$32,849
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,857
$40,492
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$23,338
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
20%
First-generation students
41%
43%
International students
1%
5%
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 West Virginia State University harder to get into?
West Virginia State 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 West Virginia State University?
Fairmont State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,032 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $11,139 at West Virginia 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 West Virginia State University?
Before aid, West Virginia State University costs about $19,772 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 West Virginia State University?
Fairmont State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,434 there, against about $9,457 at West Virginia 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 West Virginia State University?
Fairmont State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,590 undergraduates against 1,321 at West Virginia State University.
Does Fairmont State University or West Virginia State University have a better graduation rate?
Fairmont State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 46% against 36% at West Virginia State University.
Do graduates of Fairmont State University or West Virginia State University earn more?
Fairmont State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $46,857 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,492 for West Virginia State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fairmont State University and West Virginia State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Fairmont State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. West Virginia State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Fairmont State University and West Virginia State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 810–1070 at Fairmont State University and 760–1040 at West Virginia State 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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