Head-to-head · 2026
Fairmont State University vs West Virginia State University
Compare average net price ($9,032 at Fairmont State University; $11,139 at West Virginia State University), ROI score (12.97 vs 9.09), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($46,857 vs $40,492), and admissions selectivity (98.6% acceptance at Fairmont State University; 96% at West Virginia 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 | Fairmont State University | West Virginia State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 12.97 ✓ | 9.09 |
| Avg net price | $9,032 ✓ | $11,139 |
| 4-year avg net price | $36,128 ✓ | $44,556 |
| In-state tuition | $8,708 | $9,570 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,924 | $14,990 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $46,857 ✓ | $40,492 |
| Acceptance rate | 98.6% | 96% |
| Graduation rate | 44.3% ✓ | 39.2% |
| Retention rate | 67.4% ✓ | 56.7% |
| Median debt | $21,000 ✓ | $23,338 |
| Enrollment | 2,590 | 1,321 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 996 | 955 |
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 | West Virginia State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $8,434 ✓ | $9,457 |
| Family income $30–48k | $8,679 ✓ | $10,225 |
| Family income $48–75k | $10,505 ✓ | $10,703 |
| Family income $75–110k | $11,184 ✓ | $13,798 |
| Family income $110k+ | $6,945 ✓ | $17,355 |
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 | West Virginia State University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 9.5% | 16.3% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 8.6% | 11.8% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 3.7% | 13.3% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 6.6% | 8.8% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 2.9% | 10% |
| Psychology, General | 6% | 6% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | 2.3% | 6% |
| Biology, General | 2% | 2.3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Fairmont State University reports the lower average net price by $2,107 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $8,428 difference over four years ($36,128 vs $44,556).
Fairmont State University reports $6,365 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($46,857 vs $40,492). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 67.4% at Fairmont State University and 56.7% at West Virginia State University. Median federal debt among completers is $21,000 vs $23,338, 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 West Virginia State 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 $11,139 at West Virginia State University. The annual difference of $2,107 adds up to about $8,428 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Fairmont State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $46,857 vs $40,492 at West Virginia State University. The gap in the federal data is $6,365. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
West Virginia State University is more selective at 96% 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.