Fairmont State vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than Fairmont State based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 3,305 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairmont State University is located in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Fairmont State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairmont State University 14:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Fairmont State vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairmont State or Marshall University? 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 Marshall University than Fairmont State ($8,076 vs. $11,328).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairmont State University are 12.3% lower than at Marshall University ($11,656 vs. $13,292).
• Marshall University is 5.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairmont State (about $454 more per year; $9,162.00 vs. $8,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at Marshall University than at Fairmont State University (about $1,418 more per year; $20,342.00 vs. $18,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Fairmont State University (97% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 57.2% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($13,448 vs. $8,552).

Fairmont State vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fairmont State or Marshall University? 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 Marshall University and Fairmont State .

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marshall University (1030) is 90 points higher than at Fairmont State (940).
• Incoming Marshall University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Fairmont State ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairmont State University 810/1070; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairmont State University 17/23; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairmont State - Required; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Fairmont State (3.36).
• Fairmont State has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Marshall University (95.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.8% at Fairmont State vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Fairmont State vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairmont State and Marshall University? 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).

• Marshall University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Fairmont State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Marshall University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Fairmont State graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,200 vs. $37,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $1,134 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($22,000 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($227 vs. $239).
• More Fairmont State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 43%)

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.