Head-to-head · 2026
American Public University System vs Fairmont State University
Compare average net price ($9,597 at American Public University System; $9,032 at Fairmont State University), ROI score (11.57 vs 12.97), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($44,409 vs $46,857), and admissions context (Open / not reported at American Public University System; 98.6% at Fairmont State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | American Public University System | Fairmont State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 11.57 | 12.97 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $9,597 | $9,032 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $38,388 | $36,128 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $8,400 | $8,708 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $8,400 | $18,924 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $44,409 | $46,857 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 98.6% |
| Graduation rate | 57.2% ✓ | 44.3% |
| Retention rate | 97.1% ✓ | 67.4% |
| Median debt | $21,743 | $21,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 40,074 | 2,590 |
| Ownership | Private For-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 996 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | American Public University System | Fairmont State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $9,335 | $8,434 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $9,766 | $8,679 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $8,951 ✓ | $10,505 |
| Family income $75–110k | $15,559 | $11,184 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | — | $6,945 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | American Public University System | Fairmont State University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 22.6% | 9.5% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 0.8% | 23.6% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 11.6% | 3.7% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 6.6% | 8.6% |
| Psychology, General | 2.9% | 6% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 4.8% | 2.9% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 0% | 6.6% |
| Education, General | 0.2% | 3.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Fairmont State University reports the lower average net price by $565 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $2,260 difference over four years ($36,128 vs $38,388).
Fairmont State University reports $2,448 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($46,857 vs $44,409). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 97.1% at American Public University System and 67.4% at Fairmont State University. Median federal debt among completers is $21,743 vs $21,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
American Public University System vs Fairmont State University, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Fairmont State University is cheaper — average net price $9,032 per year vs $9,597 at American Public University System. The annual difference of $565 adds up to about $2,260 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Fairmont State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $46,857 vs $44,409 at American Public University System. The gap in the federal data is $2,448. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.