Degree Dividend
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Fairmont State University vs Concord University: which has better ROI?

Public, Fairmont WV · vs · Public, Athens WV

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Fairmont State University comes closer — median earnings $46,857 against a $36,128 total, vs $42,703 at Concord University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureFairmont State UniversityConcord University
Net price / yr$9,032$9,966
Total net cost$36,128$39,864
Median earnings, 10 yrs$46,857$42,703
Median debt$21,000$18,900
Payback
20-year net return-$66,188-$153,004

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Fairmont State University or Concord University?

Fairmont State University, at $9,032 a year after aid versus $9,966 — a gap of $934 a year, or $3,736 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Fairmont State University or Concord University graduates earn more?

Fairmont State University graduates report a median $46,857 ten years after entry, $4,154 more than the $42,703 at Concord University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Fairmont State University or Concord University?

Concord University: its completers carry a median $18,900 in federal loans versus $21,000 at Fairmont State University, a difference of $2,100. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

44% of students finish at Fairmont State University, against 39% at Concord University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Fairmont State University vs Concord University: frequently asked questions

Is Fairmont State University or Concord University a better value?
Fairmont State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Fairmont State University or Concord University?
Fairmont State University: $9,032/yr net price after aid versus $9,966/yr at Concord University — a difference of $934 a year, or about $3,736 over four years.
Do Fairmont State University or Concord University graduates earn more?
Fairmont State University graduates earn a median $46,857 ten years after entry, versus $42,703 at Concord University — a $4,154 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.