At $9,055/yr net price, Fairmont State University graduates earn $46,857/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,857/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,055 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,220 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,857/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,857/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,019/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,713/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,166/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,588/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,661/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,855 | $24,230 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $59,169 | $25,527 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,641 | $20,371 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $54,153 | $19,279 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $40,461 | $17,850 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $37,306 | $31,328 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $36,674 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $31,495 | $23,000 |
The Risk Factor
48.3% of students at Fairmont State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Fairmont State University delivers solid financial returns for specific career-focused programs, but your major choice determines whether you'll see positive ROI. The $9,055 annual net price makes this one of West Virginia's most affordable options, though the 48% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their degrees.
Nursing graduates earn $63,855 annually with manageable debt loads around $24,000, making this program the school's strongest financial bet. Engineering technology majors also perform well, with civil engineering techs earning $57,318 and mechanical engineering techs earning $54,153. Quality control technicians command $59,169, reflecting strong regional demand from West Virginia's industrial base.
Your biggest financial risk is not graduating. The low retention rate of 64% suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. If you're undecided about your major or need significant academic support, the odds work against you here.
This school works financially if you're targeting specific technical fields where Fairmont has strong regional employer connections. The low sticker price means you can afford to take some risk on career-focused programs. You should look elsewhere if you want traditional liberal arts majors or need extensive student support services to stay on track.
Only 33% of students receive financial aid, indicating most families pay close to the full net price. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy is choosing one of the high-earning technical programs and finishing within four years to maximize the return on your modest investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairmont State University worth the cost?
Fairmont State University offers good value with a low net price of $9,055 per year and reasonable median debt of $21,000. However, the 48% graduation rate and average earnings of $46,857 after 10 years suggest mixed outcomes depending on your program choice.
What are the best paying majors at Fairmont State University?
Nursing programs at Fairmont State University lead to the highest earnings at around $56,000-$63,000 annually. Engineering technology programs also perform well, with civil and mechanical technology graduates earning $54,000-$57,000 per year.
How much debt do Fairmont State University graduates have?
Fairmont State University graduates have a median debt of $21,000, which is manageable compared to many four-year institutions. The low annual net price of $9,055 helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Fairmont State University?
Fairmont State University has a 48% graduation rate, meaning roughly half of students complete their degree. This below-average completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's overall value.