Head-to-head · 2026
Fairmont State University vs Shepherd University
Compare average net price ($9,032 at Fairmont State University; $11,363 at Shepherd University), ROI score (12.97 vs 10.86), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($46,857 vs $49,358), and admissions selectivity (98.6% acceptance at Fairmont State University; 96.8% at Shepherd 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 | Shepherd University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 12.97 ✓ | 10.86 |
| Avg net price | $9,032 ✓ | $11,363 |
| 4-year avg net price | $36,128 ✓ | $45,452 |
| In-state tuition | $8,708 | $9,056 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,924 | $19,082 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $46,857 | $49,358 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 98.6% | 96.8% |
| Graduation rate | 44.3% | 51% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 67.4% | 71.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,000 ✓ | $21,600 |
| Enrollment | 2,590 | 2,344 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 996 | 1034 |
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 | Shepherd University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $8,434 | $7,906 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $8,679 | $7,753 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $10,505 | $10,107 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $11,184 ✓ | $14,000 |
| Family income $110k+ | $6,945 ✓ | $15,866 |
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 | Shepherd University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 23.6% | 10.4% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 9.5% | 14.4% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 3.7% | 10.8% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 6.6% | 7.2% |
| Psychology, General | 6% | 3.7% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 8.6% | 0.6% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 1.3% | 5.7% |
| Biology, General | 2% | 4.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Fairmont State University reports the lower average net price by $2,331 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $9,324 difference over four years ($36,128 vs $45,452).
Shepherd University reports $2,501 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($49,358 vs $46,857). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 67.4% at Fairmont State University and 71.4% at Shepherd University. Median federal debt among completers is $21,000 vs $21,600, 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
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Fairmont State University vs Shepherd University, answered
4 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 $11,363 at Shepherd University. The annual difference of $2,331 adds up to about $9,324 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Shepherd University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $49,358 vs $46,857 at Fairmont State University. The gap in the federal data is $2,501. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Shepherd University is more selective at 96.8% 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.