Fairmont State vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Fairmont State University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (3,305 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairmont State University is located in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Fairmont State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairmont State University 14:1; Salem University 19:1.

Fairmont State vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairmont State or Salem 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 Salem University than Fairmont State ($10,231 vs. $11,328).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 27.9% lower than at Fairmont State University ($8,400 vs. $11,656).
• Salem University is 36.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairmont State (about $3,192 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $8,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59% higher at Fairmont State than at Salem University (about $7,024 more per year; $18,924.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Fairmont State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem University students is 0.2% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($8,569 vs. $8,552).

Fairmont State vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

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

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairmont State University 810/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairmont State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairmont State - Required; Salem University - Open admission.

Fairmont State vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairmont State and Salem 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).

• Fairmont State University's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Fairmont State University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,600 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $4,618 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($22,000 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($227 vs. $275).
• More Fairmont State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 27%)

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.