Central State University vs. Fairmont State

Comparable Facts

Compare Central State University in Wilberforce, OH 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 Central State University based on total student enrollment (3,305 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central State University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Fairmont State University is in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Central 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: Central State University 16:1; Fairmont State University 14:1.

Central State University vs. Fairmont State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central 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 Central State University ($11,328 vs. $11,398).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairmont State University are 3.1% lower than at Central State University ($11,656 vs. $12,026).
• Fairmont State University is 8.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $650 more per year; $8,708.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.1% higher at Fairmont State than at Central State University (about $8,866 more per year; $18,924.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Fairmont State University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 118.1% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($18,654 vs. $8,552).

Central State University vs. Fairmont State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairmont State University (940) is 80 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Fairmont State students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 770/950; Fairmont State University 810/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18; Fairmont State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; Fairmont State - Required.
• Accepted freshman Fairmont State students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Fairmont State has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Central State University (98.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 33.8% at Fairmont State .

Central State University vs. Fairmont State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central 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 Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Fairmont State University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,600 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $17,000 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($22,000 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $176 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($227 vs. $403).
• More Fairmont State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 16%)

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.