NSU vs. Fairmont State

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than Fairmont State based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 3,305 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Norfolk State University is located in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting); Fairmont State University is in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Norfolk 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: Norfolk State University 15:1; Fairmont State University 14:1.

NSU vs. Fairmont State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU 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 Norfolk State University than Fairmont State ($9,124 vs. $11,328).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 0.6% lower than at Fairmont State University ($11,591 vs. $11,656).
• Norfolk State University is 16.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairmont State (about $1,472 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $8,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.6% higher at NSU than at Fairmont State University (about $2,758 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $18,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairmont State University than at Norfolk State University (91% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 76.1% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($15,056 vs. $8,552).

NSU vs. Fairmont State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU 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 NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairmont State University (940) is 10 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming Fairmont State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 823/1030; Fairmont State University 810/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Norfolk State University 16/22; Fairmont State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Fairmont State - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairmont State students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at NSU (2.9).
• Fairmont State has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.2% at NSU vs. 33.8% at Fairmont State .

NSU vs. Fairmont State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU 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).

• The graduation rate at NSU is the same as at Fairmont State University (33% vs. 33%).
• Graduates from Fairmont State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,600 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($22,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($227 vs. $320).
• More Fairmont State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU 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.