Pierpont Community and Technical College: $5,594 Tuition

$5,594Tuition

906Students

39%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,132Earnings

#11 in West VirginiaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Pierpont Community and Technical College

Pierpont Community and Technical College serves 906 students in the small town of Fairmont, focusing on career-focused technical training and workforce development programs. The college prepares students for West Virginia's key industries through hands-on programs designed to meet local employer needs. Nearly 99% of students come from within West Virginia, creating a close-knit community atmosphere where everyone knows each other.

Students pay an average net price of $9,096 after financial aid, with those from low-income families paying just $7,074. Graduates earn a median of $35,132 ten years after starting college, while carrying typical debt of $12,110 with monthly payments of $128. The employment rate of 97.3% shows strong job placement, though the financial return takes time to build in West Virginia's economy.

The student body is 58% women and reflects the region's demographics at 91% white. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and instructors know students personally. Only 30% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from working-class families seeking practical skills rather than traditional four-year degrees. The Lions compete in athletics, adding school spirit to this community-centered campus.

Academics & Faculty

Pierpont specializes in career-focused technical training and workforce development programs designed to meet West Virginia's employment needs. The college offers hands-on programs in fields like automotive technology, welding, healthcare, and information technology. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in small classes that emphasize practical skills over theory. The 39% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's open-access mission and student demographics, though many students transfer or enter the workforce before completing degrees. Nearly all graduates find employment, with a 97.3% employment rate demonstrating strong industry connections. Programs typically prepare students for immediate entry into technical careers or seamless transfer to four-year institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 39.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,132

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Associate	$86,867
Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$57,318
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.	Associate	$41,565
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$40,365
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$39,369
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$33,993
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$32,029
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$29,685
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$29,141
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$25,967

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

Fairmont sits in north-central West Virginia, about 90 minutes from Pittsburgh and two hours from Morgantown. The 906-student campus serves a predominantly local population, with 98.84% of students coming from in-state. You'll need a winter coat here as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, while summers reach the 80s.

Most students commute to campus since Pierpont doesn't offer traditional dormitories. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where instructors know your name. Women make up 57.73% of enrollment, and the student body is 90.73% white, reflecting the broader demographics of north-central West Virginia. Weekend life revolves around the surrounding community rather than campus events. Students often work part-time jobs while attending classes, which aligns with the college's focus on practical workforce training. The Lions athletics program provides some campus spirit, though many students are juggling school with family and work responsibilities. Social connections often form in hands-on lab courses and through study groups preparing for industry certifications.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

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

Student Demographics

Pierpont draws nearly its entire student body from West Virginia, with 99% of the 906 students calling the state home. This strong local pull reflects the college's mission as a workforce development center for the region's technical industries. Women make up 58% of students, suggesting the school's healthcare and business programs attract more female students than its traditional technical trades. About 30% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking practical career training. The student body is predominantly white at 91%, mirroring the demographics of rural West Virginia.

Men: 42.3%
Women: 57.7%
White: 90.7%
Black: 2.9%
Hispanic: 0.9%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 98.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.8%

Location

Fairmont sits in north-central West Virginia, about 75 miles south of Pittsburgh and 20 miles from Morgantown. The town of roughly 18,000 people serves as the county seat of Marion County in the heart of Appalachian coal country. Rolling hills and former mining communities define this blue-collar region where manufacturing and healthcare now anchor the local economy. Fairmont itself grew around coal and river transportation along the Monongahela River. With 98.84% of students coming from in-state, Pierpont draws heavily from small towns and rural communities across West Virginia. The campus serves working-class families seeking affordable technical training close to home. Students considering colleges in West Virginia may also compare Pierpont Community and Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Fairmont, West Virginia 26554

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,132
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,075
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 28.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $128/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,110

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Pierpont Community and Technical College?

Pierpont Community and Technical College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school performance. The college enrolls 906 students who are focused on career-oriented technical training and workforce development. Nearly 99% of students come from West Virginia, reflecting the school's role as a local educational resource.

How much does Pierpont Community and Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,096 annually at Pierpont Community and Technical College. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,074 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at $5,594 before assistance. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with only $12,110 in debt.

What academic programs is Pierpont Community and Technical College known for?

Pierpont Community and Technical College specializes in career-focused technical training and workforce development programs. Students work with faculty in a 17:1 ratio, allowing for hands-on instruction in practical skills. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment in West Virginia's economy.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Pierpont Community and Technical College?

Graduates achieve a 97.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong demand for the technical skills taught at Pierpont. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $35,132, which reflects the practical nature of the college's career training. However, only 39% of students complete their programs within six years, typical for community colleges serving working adults.

Where is Pierpont Community and Technical College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Fairmont, West Virginia, a town-distant setting that serves the local community's educational needs. With 906 students, Pierpont maintains an intimate environment where 58% of students are women and 91% are white. The Lions compete in athletics, though the focus remains on preparing students for technical careers rather than traditional college experiences.

How affordable are student loans at Pierpont Community and Technical College?

Only 21% of Pierpont students need federal loans, and those who borrow graduate with manageable monthly payments of $128. The low debt burden of $12,110 reflects the college's affordable tuition and focus on shorter-term career programs. Unfortunately, the loan repayment rate of 28% suggests some graduates struggle financially after completion.