Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Fairmont, West Virginia
Pierpont Community and Technical College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
2.82Avg GPA
$13,434Annual Cost
$35,132Grad Salary
29.8%Pell Grant
Avg GPA
2.82
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$9,096
Need-Based Aid
29.8% receive Pell
Pierpont Community and Technical College, established in 1974 as part of Fairmont State University, became independent in 2008 to better serve West Virginia's workforce needs. The college operates across multiple locations featuring advanced manufacturing labs, aviation maintenance hangars, and a $15 million Advanced Technology Center. Pierpont specializes in energy technology, aerospace, and health sciences programs with about 2,500 students.
Though unranked, Pierpont holds distinction as West Virginia's only community college with FAA-approved aviation programs. The college boasts a 94% placement rate for career technical graduates. Unique facilities include a composite materials lab for aerospace training and partnerships with NASA's IV&V facility. Pierpont's north-central West Virginia location serves the state's growing energy and aerospace corridors.
Pierpont Community and Technical College Acceptance Rate
Pierpont Community and Technical College maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.82 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.62 – 2.81
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.37
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Pierpont Community and Technical College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Pierpont Community and Technical College is 2.82. This suggests moderate selectivity.
A mix of A's, B's, and some C's is common. Higher SAT/ACT scores can compensate for a lower GPA.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.02-3.22 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.52 and 2.82, aim for a strong standardized test score.
Pierpont Community and Technical College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Pierpont Community and Technical College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 2.82, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.82 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.62 – 2.81
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.42 – 2.61
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.41
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- ACT, SAT, or COMPASS scores are required only for applicants with fewer than 15 earned college credit hours; specific programs may have their own required test score thresholds.
- At least 15 credit hours must be completed in residence at Pierpont for an associate degree (8 hours for a certificate) - transfer credit alone is insufficient.
- Aviation Maintenance Technology operates through the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center, serving aviation industry partners across West Virginia.
- Pierpont serves 13 counties in North Central West Virginia through more than 15 locations, including centers in Braxton and Lewis counties beyond the Fairmont headquarters.
- The Rigor Metric: At Pierpont Community and Technical College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Pierpont Community and Technical College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Pierpont Community and Technical College'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
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Pierpont Community and Technical College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Pierpont Community and Technical College Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Pierpont Community and Technical College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Pierpont Community and Technical College
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Pierpont Community and Technical College provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Confirm whether ACT/SAT/COMPASS applies to you based on your existing credit hours
Pierpont requires ACT, SAT, or COMPASS scores only from applicants with fewer than 15 earned college credit hours - students with 15+ credits from other coursework are exempt from this testing requirement. If you have prior college coursework, gather your transcripts to confirm you clear this 15-credit threshold before assuming you need to test.
Complete your final credits in residence at Pierpont - transfer credit alone won't earn your degree
Pierpont requires students to complete at least 15 credit hours in residence for an associate degree (or 8 credit hours for a certificate) - meaning you can't simply transfer in a nearly-complete degree from elsewhere and receive a Pierpont credential without taking a meaningful number of courses there directly. Plan your final semester(s) specifically at Pierpont if you're transferring in with substantial credit.
Use the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center for aviation maintenance training with real regional industry ties
Pierpont's Aviation Maintenance Technology program operates out of the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center, serving aviation partners across the state. If aviation maintenance interests you, ask specifically about which state aviation partners the program connects students with for internships or job placement, since this facility's name and mission reflect a deliberate statewide aerospace-industry relationship.
Use Pierpont's 15+ regional sites if you're not near the Fairmont main campus
Pierpont serves 13 counties in North Central West Virginia through more than 15 locations, including the Braxton County Center and Lewis County Center, well beyond its Fairmont headquarters. If you're located elsewhere in the region, check whether your intended program is offered at a closer site before assuming you need to commute to or relocate near Fairmont.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes assume that because Pierpont has an "open door" admission policy, all documentation requirements are equally flexible - but specific programs (like Aviation Maintenance Technology) may require particular ACT/SAT scores per the catalog even when general admission doesn't, and students with substantial transfer credit still need at least 15 credit hours completed in residence to actually earn a Pierpont degree.
Pierpont Community and Technical College Profile
Full Name
Pierpont Community and Technical College
City
Fairmont
State
West Virginia
ZIP Code
26554
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Pierpont Community and Technical College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Pierpont Community and Technical College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Pierpont Community and Technical College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
How much does a degree from Pierpont Community and Technical College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Pierpont Community and Technical College is $13,434. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Pierpont Community and Technical College is $9,096.
29.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 20.7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Pierpont Community and Technical College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Pierpont Community and Technical College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Pierpont Community and Technical College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Pierpont Community and Technical College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $35,132. An average Pierpont Community and Technical College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at Pierpont Community and Technical College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Pierpont Community and Technical College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Pierpont Community and Technical College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $35,132 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $13,434 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
29.8% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The average GPA of admitted students is 2.82. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.52, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.52, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.42 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 2.82, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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