Bowie State University vs. Fairmont State

Comparable Facts

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

Bowie State University is larger than Fairmont State based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 3,305 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); Fairmont State University is in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Bowie 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: Bowie State University 15:1; Fairmont State University 14:1.

Bowie State University vs. Fairmont State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie 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 Bowie State University ($11,328 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairmont State University are 4.8% lower than at Bowie State University ($11,656 vs. $12,241).
• Bowie State University is 5.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairmont State (about $510 more per year; $9,218.00 vs. $8,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at Bowie State University than at Fairmont State University (about $1,014 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $18,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairmont State University than at Bowie State University (91% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairmont State University students is 25.4% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($8,552 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Fairmont State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie 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 Bowie State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowie State University (940) is the same as at Fairmont State (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; Fairmont State University 810/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFairmont State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Fairmont State - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairmont State students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• Fairmont State has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 33.8% at Fairmont State .

Bowie State University vs. Fairmont State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie 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).

• Bowie State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Fairmont State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than Fairmont State graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $37,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $2,391 lower median loan debt than Bowie State University graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,391).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowie State University graduates ($227 vs. $252).
• More Fairmont State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 29%)

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.