Head-to-head · 2026
Fairmont State University vs Marshall University
Compare average net price ($9,032 at Fairmont State University; $7,502 at Marshall University), ROI score (12.97 vs 15.45), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($46,857 vs $46,354), and admissions selectivity (98.6% acceptance at Fairmont State University; 95.7% at Marshall 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 | Fairmont State University | Marshall University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 12.97 | 15.45 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $9,032 | $7,502 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $36,128 | $30,008 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $8,708 | $9,162 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,924 | $20,342 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $46,857 ✓ | $46,354 |
| Acceptance rate | 98.6% | 95.7% |
| Graduation rate | 44.3% | 51.2% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 67.4% | 72.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,000 ✓ | $23,250 |
| Enrollment | 2,590 | 7,266 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 996 | 1061 |
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 | Fairmont State University | Marshall University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $8,434 | $4,648 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $8,679 | $4,430 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $10,505 | $6,837 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $11,184 ✓ | $11,227 |
| Family income $110k+ | $6,945 ✓ | $15,076 |
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 | Fairmont State University | Marshall University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 23.6% | 10.7% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 8.6% | 1.9% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 3.7% | 6.7% |
| Psychology, General | 6% | 4.4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 6.6% | 3.6% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 9.5% | 0.5% |
| Education, General | 3.9% | 2.3% |
| Biology, General | 2% | 4% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Marshall University reports the lower average net price by $1,530 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $6,120 difference over four years ($30,008 vs $36,128).
Fairmont State University reports $503 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($46,857 vs $46,354). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 67.4% at Fairmont State University and 72.2% at Marshall University. Median federal debt among completers is $21,000 vs $23,250, 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
Fairmont State University vs Marshall University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Marshall University is cheaper — average net price $7,502 per year vs $9,032 at Fairmont State University. The annual difference of $1,530 adds up to about $6,120 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Fairmont State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $46,857 vs $46,354 at Marshall University. The gap in the federal data is $503. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Marshall University is more selective at 95.7% acceptance vs 98.6% at Fairmont State University.
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.