Students at Fairmont State University benefit from exceptional affordability that ranks among the best nationally, with predictable, low costs regardless of family income.
The university also delivers earnings beyond expectations, helping graduates achieve stronger financial outcomes than peers at comparable institutions.
Fairmont State University offers solid value for West Virginia families seeking an accessible public education with manageable costs. While the university doesn't rank among the top tier nationally for overall outcomes, it provides meaningful opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, with 33% of students receiving Pell Grants and over 40% being first-generation college students. The university's affordability stands out significantly, ranking in the top 15% nationally for keeping costs low across all income levels.
Fairmont State's graduates earn a median of $46,857 ten years after enrollment, and the university delivers earnings that exceed expectations by about $6,534 compared with similar institutions. This earnings advantage, while modest, demonstrates the university's ability to add value for its students. The institution serves as an "Opportunity Builder" in West Virginia's higher education landscape, providing broad access while working to improve outcomes for the students it serves.
As a medium-sized public university in Fairmont, West Virginia, the institution focuses on practical, career-oriented programs including nursing, business administration, and technical fields. For families prioritizing affordability and accessibility over prestige, Fairmont State represents a solid choice that balances reasonable costs with meaningful educational opportunities and post-graduation earning potential.
Fairmont State University's program portfolio reflects its practical, career-focused mission, with nursing leading both in earnings potential and overall return on investment. The Adult Health Nursing program graduates 55 students annually with strong median earnings of $63,855, making it the clear standout for both individual outcomes and aggregate economic impact. This program exemplifies the university's strength in preparing students for stable, well-paying careers in high-demand fields.
Business Administration represents the university's largest program with 77 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $30,409 early in career. The program provides broad career flexibility and serves as a foundation for various professional paths. Technical programs like Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology show strong earning potential at $59,169 for its smaller cohort of 20 graduates, demonstrating the university's ability to prepare students for specialized, well-compensated roles.
The program mix emphasizes practical fields that align with West Virginia's economic landscape, particularly healthcare, business, and technical specialties. While some programs like Corrections Administration show lower earnings around $31,189, they still provide viable career pathways for students interested in public service. The university's strength lies in offering accessible, career-oriented programs that prepare students for stable employment in the regional economy.
Fairmont State University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $46,857 ten years after enrollment. The university delivers meaningful value by helping students earn about $6,534 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating its ability to exceed expectations despite modest overall earnings levels. This earnings advantage reflects the university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs that prepare students for stable employment in West Virginia and surrounding regions.
The strongest financial returns come from the university's nursing program, which graduates 55 students annually with median earnings of $63,855, making it both the highest-earning and highest aggregate return program. Business Administration, the largest program with 77 graduates, leads to more moderate earnings around $30,409 but provides broad career flexibility. Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology offers strong earning potential at $59,169 for its 20 graduates, while programs like Corrections Administration show lower but still viable earnings around $31,189.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical fields that align with regional employment opportunities, particularly in healthcare, business, and technical specialties. While overall earnings levels are modest compared with national averages, graduates benefit from the lower cost of living in West Virginia, where earnings provide stronger purchasing power than in many higher-cost regions.
Fairmont State University excels in affordability, ranking in the top 15% nationally for keeping costs manageable across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $8,019 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $9,166, and even high-income families pay only $9,661 per year. This consistent, predictable pricing structure makes Fairmont State one of the most affordable public universities in the region, with net prices that remain well below national averages regardless of family income.
The university's commitment to affordability extends beyond sticker prices to actual borrowing patterns. Typical graduates leave with $21,000 in federal student loan debt, a reasonable level given the institution's focus on accessible education. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,946, reflecting the university's success in keeping family contributions manageable. The combination of low net prices and moderate debt levels creates a sustainable financial model for most students and families.
What makes Fairmont State particularly attractive is how the modest debt levels align with post-graduation earning capacity. With median earnings approaching $47,000 ten years out, most graduates can comfortably manage their loan obligations while building financial stability. The university's strong financial aid programs and transparent pricing help families plan effectively for the full cost of a degree without unexpected financial surprises.
Fairmont State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
