West Virginia University vs Fairmont State University: which has better ROI?
West Virginia University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $62,536 in 8.3 years versus not at all at Fairmont State University, on median earnings of $55,939 vs $46,857 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | West Virginia University | Fairmont State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,634 | $9,032 |
| Total net cost | $62,536 | $36,128 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,939 | $46,857 |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $21,000 |
| Payback | 8.3 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $89,044 | -$66,188 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, West Virginia University or Fairmont State University?
Fairmont State University, at $9,032 a year after aid versus $15,634 — a gap of $6,602 a year, or $26,408 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do West Virginia University or Fairmont State University graduates earn more?
West Virginia University graduates report a median $55,939 ten years after entry, $9,082 more than the $46,857 at Fairmont State 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, West Virginia University or Fairmont State University?
Fairmont State University: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $22,500 at West Virginia University, a difference of $1,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
65% of students finish at West Virginia University, against 44% at Fairmont State 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.