Rochester University vs. Fairmont State

Comparable Facts

Compare Rochester University in Rochester Hills, MI 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 Rochester University based on total student enrollment (3,305 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rochester University is located in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting); Fairmont State University is in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairmont State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rochester University 13:1; Fairmont State University 14:1.

Rochester University vs. Fairmont State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rochester 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 Rochester University ($11,328 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 10% lower than at Fairmont State University ($10,486 vs. $11,656).
• Rochester University is 235.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairmont State (about $20,488 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $8,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.3% higher at Rochester University than at Fairmont State University (about $10,272 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $18,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at Fairmont State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester University students is 130.1% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($19,674 vs. $8,552).

Rochester University vs. Fairmont State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rochester 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 Rochester University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rochester University (950) is 10 points higher than at Fairmont State (940).
• Incoming Rochester University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Fairmont State (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 840/1060; Fairmont State University 810/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 17/23; Fairmont State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rochester University - Test-free; Fairmont State - Required.
• Accepted freshman Fairmont State students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Fairmont State has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Rochester University (97.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Rochester University vs. 33.8% at Fairmont State .

Rochester University vs. Fairmont State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rochester 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).

• Rochester University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Fairmont State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Rochester University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Fairmont State graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,100 vs. $37,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $2,403 lower median loan debt than Rochester University graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,403).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rochester University graduates ($227 vs. $252).
• More Rochester University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairmont State students, three years after graduation. (45% 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.