Anderson University vs. Fairmont State

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, IN 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 Anderson University based on total student enrollment (3,305 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Fairmont State University is in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairmont State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Fairmont State University 14:1.

Anderson University vs. Fairmont State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson 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 Anderson University ($11,328 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairmont State University are 8.9% lower than at Anderson University ($11,656 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 327.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairmont State (about $28,532 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $8,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96.8% higher at Anderson University than at Fairmont State University (about $18,316 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $18,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Fairmont State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 203.4% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($25,946 vs. $8,552).

Anderson University vs. Fairmont State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1030) is 90 points higher than at Fairmont State (940).
• Incoming Anderson 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: Anderson University 900/1150; Fairmont State University 810/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Fairmont State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; Fairmont State - Required.
• Accepted freshman Anderson University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Fairmont State (3.36).
• Fairmont State has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 33.8% at Fairmont State .

Anderson University vs. Fairmont State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson 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).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Fairmont State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Anderson University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Fairmont State graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $37,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairmont State students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.