Fairmont State vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

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

Fairmont State University is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (3,305 students vs. 774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairmont State University is located in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting); Wheeling University is in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting).
• Fairmont State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairmont State University 14:1; Wheeling University 15:1.

Fairmont State vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairmont State or Wheeling 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 Fairmont State University than Wheeling University ($11,328 vs. $21,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairmont State University are 6.5% lower than at Wheeling University ($11,656 vs. $12,470).
• Wheeling University is 243.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairmont State (about $21,167 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $8,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.9% higher at Wheeling University than at Fairmont State University (about $10,951 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $18,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheeling University than at Fairmont State University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheeling University students is 156.4% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($21,931 vs. $8,552).

Fairmont State vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheeling University (1070) is 130 points higher than at Fairmont State (940).
• Incoming Fairmont State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Wheeling University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairmont State University 810/1070; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairmont State University 17/23; Wheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairmont State - Required; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Fairmont State students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Wheeling University (3.33).
• Fairmont State has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.8% at Fairmont State vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

Fairmont State vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairmont State and Wheeling 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Fairmont State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Wheeling University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Fairmont State graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $37,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Wheeling University graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wheeling University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Wheeling University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairmont State students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.