Fairmont State University: 98.5% Acceptance Rate

98.5%Acceptance

$8,454Tuition

2,690Students

48%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,857Earnings

#21 in West VirginiaPublic4-yearNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Fairmont State University

Fairmont State University brings practical education to 2,690 students in the hills of West Virginia. The school has built its reputation on serving local communities since 1865, focusing heavily on undergraduate programs that prepare students for regional careers. With a 98.5% acceptance rate, Fairmont State opens doors for students who might struggle elsewhere, though the average SAT of 935 reflects its role as an accessible entry point to higher education.

Students pay an average net price of $9,055, making this one of West Virginia's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $46,857 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $21,000. The numbers suggest reasonable value for students seeking practical degrees without crushing financial burden. Monthly loan payments average $223, manageable for most regional salaries.

The Fighting Falcons compete in 17 NCAA Division II sports with 370 total athletes. Only 64% of students return for sophomore year, and just 48% graduate within six years, numbers that reflect the school's open-access mission and the challenges many first-generation college students face. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that helps explain why 95.6% of graduates find employment.

Academics & Faculty

Fairmont State serves as a regional public university focused on undergraduate education, with programs designed for working professionals and traditional students. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, though the 48% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. The university has built a reputation for career-focused programs in nursing, criminal justice, and education that prepare students for local job markets. Business and technology programs also draw students seeking practical skills. With 98% acceptance rate, Fairmont State welcomes students who might not qualify for more selective institutions, though this open-door policy means academic preparation varies widely among incoming freshmen.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 92.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 47.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.3%
Retention Rate: 64.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,857
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$63,855
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$59,169
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$57,318
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,641
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$54,153
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Master	$40,461
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$38,289
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$37,306
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Bachelor	$36,674
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$31,495

View all 52 programs →

Campus Life

The compact campus sits in a town of 18,000 residents about 20 miles south of Morgantown. With housing for only 1,050 students and total enrollment of 2,690, roughly 40% of students live on campus while most commute from nearby communities. West Virginia winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors know students by name. With 85% of students coming from in-state, the campus feels like an extended West Virginia community. The Fighting Falcons compete in 17 NCAA Division II sports, and athletic events draw solid crowds in this sports-loving region. Weekend activities center around campus events, trips to Morgantown for bigger city amenities, or exploring West Virginia's outdoor recreation opportunities. The town setting means students often create their own entertainment, leading to tight-knit residence hall communities and active student organizations that fill the social calendar.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 1,050 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1865

Campus Safety (2023)

11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	4	2
Burglary	3	0
Rape	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–39°F
July Avg: 63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 46.0"
Annual Snowfall: 37.8"

Student Demographics

Fairmont State draws primarily from West Virginia, with 86% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the university's mission as a regional institution serving local communities across the Mountain State. Women make up 56% of the student body, which aligns with the school's strong programs in education, nursing, and health sciences. One-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing Fairmont State's commitment to making college accessible for working-class families. The student body is predominantly white at 87%, mirroring the demographics of rural West Virginia where many students call home.

Men: 43.9%
Women: 56.1%
White: 87.1%
Black: 5.0%
Hispanic: 0.7%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 85.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.0%

Location

Fairmont sits in north-central West Virginia, about 20 miles south of Morgantown and roughly 90 miles from Pittsburgh. The university serves a town of around 18,000 residents nestled in the Appalachian foothills along the Monongahela River. With 85.63% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains strong ties to the local coal mining and manufacturing heritage that shaped the region. The surrounding area offers outdoor recreation opportunities in the rolling hills and forests typical of West Virginia. Downtown Fairmont provides a small-town atmosphere where the university plays a central role in community life. Students considering colleges in West Virginia may also compare Fairmont State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Fairmont, West Virginia 26554-2470

Hardway Hall, the administration building of Fairmont State University in Fairmont, West Virginia LCCN

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,857
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,490
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $223/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Fairmont State University?

Fairmont State University accepts 98.49% of applicants, making admission nearly guaranteed for most students. The average SAT score of 935 reflects the school's open-access mission to serve West Virginia students regardless of test performance.

How much does Fairmont State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,055 annually after financial aid at Fairmont State University. With in-state tuition at $8,454 and 33% of students receiving Pell Grants, the school prioritizes affordability for working-class families in the region.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Fairmont State University?

Fairmont State University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,690 total students. This small class environment allows professors to focus on undergraduate teaching, which has been the university's primary mission since its founding in 1865.

What are the graduation rates at Fairmont State University?

Fairmont State University graduates 48.30% of students within six years and has a 64.21% first-year retention rate. These outcomes reflect the challenges many first-generation college students face, as the university serves a predominantly rural West Virginia population.

Where is Fairmont State University located and what is campus life like?

Fairmont State University sits in a town-distant setting in Fairmont, West Virginia, with housing for 1,050 students. The Fighting Falcons compete in 17 NCAA Division II sports with 370 total athletes, creating a close-knit campus community where 85.63% of students are from West Virginia.

What do graduates of Fairmont State University earn after college?

Fairmont State University graduates earn a median salary of $46,857 ten years after graduation with typical student loan debt of $21,000. The 95.6% employment rate shows strong job placement, though earnings reflect the regional economy of West Virginia where most graduates remain.