Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Fairmont, West Virginia
99.2% Acceptance Rate
Fairmont State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
99.2%Acceptance Rate
3.36Avg GPA
993Avg SAT
20Avg ACT
$18,091Annual Cost
$46,857Grad Salary
33%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
99.2%
Avg GPA
3.36
Avg SAT
993
Avg ACT
20
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
830–1040
ACT Middle 50%
17–23
Avg Net Price
$9,055
Need-Based Aid
33% receive Pell
Fairmont State University is a public institution in West Virginia offering a blend of professional and liberal arts programs. Admissions are selective, focusing on academic achievement and potential for community contribution. The university looks for students who are proactive, career-focused, and eager to leverage its regional resources for professional development. Applicants should highlight their involvement in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership or collaborative skills, as the admissions team favors well-rounded candidates ready to engage in campus life.
Fairmont State University Acceptance Rate
Fairmont State University (Fairmont State) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 99.2% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 99.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.36 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.16 – 3.35
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.91
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Fairmont State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Fairmont State University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of February 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 177 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Fairmont State reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority
February 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Fairmont State GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Fairmont State is 3.36. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.06–3.36 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.56–3.76.Fairmont State GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.36 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.16 – 3.35
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.96 – 3.15
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.95
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Acceptance rate runs around 99%; there is no application fee, and no essay or recommendation letter is required for general admission (though specific programs/scholarships may require them)
- Beginning Fall 2026, admission standards follow new WVHEPC policy: qualify via either a 2.0 HS GPA + 18 ACT/950 SAT, or a 3.0 GPA regardless of test scores
- Aviation (Professional Flight concentration) is a selective program with its own separate application, run through the Aviation Center of Excellence at the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center
- Priority registration requires a fully complete admission file six weeks before the semester starts; the Regent Bachelor of Arts program allows credit toward the degree for prior job training and work experience
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Fairmont State
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Fairmont State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Fairmont State University (Fairmont State) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Fairmont State is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Fairmont State Without SAT or ACT?
Fairmont State requires SAT or ACT scores. Applications without them won't be reviewed. Plan test dates early, and if your first score lands below the average shown below, sit for it again.
Fairmont State University Average SAT Score: 993
The average SAT score of admitted students at Fairmont State University is 993 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 993 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1040 SAT or 23 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Fairmont State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 830, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Fairmont State. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 430 | 380 | 480 |
| SAT Reading | 505 | 450 | 560 |
| SAT Composite | 993 | 830 | 1040 |
Below 830, you're behind most admitted students; at 1040 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into Fairmont State University (Fairmont State) with a 1050 SAT?
A 1050 SAT puts you ahead of most of Fairmont State's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Fairmont State University (Fairmont State) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Fairmont State is 20.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 20 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national ACT mean.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 19 | 16 | 22 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 23 |
| ACT Composite | 20 | 17 | 23 |
Can I get into Fairmont State University with a 23 ACT?
A 23 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Fairmont State's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Fairmont State.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Fairmont State
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Getting into Fairmont State is the easy part. What matters next is using placement testing, advising, and available resources to set up a strong first year.
Treat Aviation's Professional Flight concentration as its own selective admission, separate from general FSU admission
Being admitted to Fairmont State does not automatically place you in the Professional Flight option at the Aviation Center of Excellence (based at the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center) - this concentration has its own selective application layered on top of general admission. If flight training is your goal, submit the Aviation Center's specific program application early and separately; don't assume your general acceptance letter covers it.
Pick whichever new WVHEPC admission path actually fits your transcript
Starting with the Fall 2026 cycle, Fairmont State qualifies applicants under a new state policy with two distinct paths: a 2.0 high school GPA plus an 18 ACT/950 SAT, OR a 3.0 GPA regardless of test scores. If your test scores are weak but your GPA is strong, lead with the GPA-only path rather than defaulting to submitting test scores that could actually work against you.
Check program- and scholarship-specific essay requirements individually - don't assume the general "no essay" policy covers you
Fairmont State's general application requires no personal essay or recommendation letter, but certain academic programs and institutional/foundation scholarships do require them. Before you finalize your application, check the specific requirements page for your intended major and for any scholarships you plan to apply for - skipping this step under the assumption that "FSU doesn't require essays" can cost you scholarship dollars you never knew you were eligible for.
If you're a returning or working adult, structure your credit request around the Regent Bachelor of Arts program specifically
Fairmont State's Regent BA degree explicitly allows credit for job training and work experience, not just transfer coursework - a distinctive route for adult learners with military training, workplace certifications, or vocational credentials. Document your prior training formally (certificates, military transcripts, employer verification) before you apply so the credit evaluation can happen during admission rather than after you've already started classes.
Expert Insight:
The common mistake is treating Fairmont State's near-100% acceptance rate as evidence that every program is equally easy to enter. Selective sub-programs like Aviation's Professional Flight concentration run a separate admissions process with their own capacity limits, and students who assume general admission is the only gate can find themselves enrolled at FSU but shut out of the specific program they came for.
Fairmont State Profile
Full Name
Fairmont State University (Fairmont State)
City
Fairmont
State
West Virginia
ZIP Code
26554-2470
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Fairmont State Degree Worth It?
Fairmont State offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $42,200, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.96%.
How much does a degree from Fairmont State Cost?
The sticker price is $18,091/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $9,055.
33% of students receive a Pell Grant and 41.3% take federal loans at Fairmont State. File your FAFSA early and list Fairmont State as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Fairmont State Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $46,857. That's about 15% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Fairmont State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | 973 | 18 |
| Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | 950 | 18 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | Kapolei, HI | 973 | 18 |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, IN | 966 | 17 |
| St Luke's College | Sioux City, IA | 980 | 18 |
| Baker University | Baldwin City, KS | 950 | 17 |
| Alice Lloyd College | Pippa Passes, KY | 980 | 19 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Fairmont State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Tifton, GA | 994 | 19 |
| College of Coastal Georgia | Brunswick, GA | 1001 | 18 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus, GA | 994 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Fairmont State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
Degree Programs at Fairmont State
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairmont State Admissions
Median earnings for Fairmont State University graduates sit around $46,857 a year.
At about $18,091 a year, Fairmont State University is on the more affordable end.
About 33.0% receive a Pell Grant at Fairmont State University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 99.2%, Fairmont State University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Fairmont State University average a 3.36 GPA.
Fairmont State University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.06 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.96, Fairmont State University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Fairmont State University — aim above 993, ideally within the 830–1040 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Fairmont State University is February 1. Rolling Admissions is also offered, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is February 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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