Bluefield State University vs. Fairmont State

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV with Fairmont State University in Fairmont, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairmont State University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (3,305 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield State University is located in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting); Fairmont State University is in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairmont State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield State University 13:1; Fairmont State University 14:1.

Bluefield State University vs. Fairmont State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield State University or Fairmont State ? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Fairmont State University than Bluefield State University ($11,328 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 1.2% lower than at Fairmont State University ($11,512 vs. $11,656).
• Bluefield State University is 22.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairmont State (about $1,940 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $8,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at Fairmont State than at Bluefield State University (about $548 more per year; $18,924.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Fairmont State University (97% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 14.8% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($9,814 vs. $8,552).

Bluefield State University vs. Fairmont State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluefield State University or Fairmont State ? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Fairmont State and Bluefield State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 40 points higher than at Fairmont State (940).
• Incoming Fairmont State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 870/1080; Fairmont State University 810/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 17/22; Fairmont State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield State University - Test optional; Fairmont State - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Fairmont State (3.36).
• Fairmont State has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Bluefield State University (97.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.8% at Bluefield State University vs. 33.8% at Fairmont State .

Bluefield State University vs. Fairmont State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield State University and Fairmont State ? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Fairmont State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Fairmont State University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,600 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Fairmont State graduates ($19,000 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairmont State graduates ($196 vs. $227).
• More Fairmont State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 30%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.