Value of an FSU Education Includes High Quality Academics and Much More
While a college education is undeniably a valuable investment, paying for college can be challenging for most families. Fairmont State University, which delivers high quality academic programs at an affordable cost, continues to meet students' needs for financial aid and to provide a unique learning environment close to home in North Central West Virginia.
“Fairmont State University is an excellent value for students, not only in terms of the modest cost of tuition and fees compared to other universities, but mainly because students are our first priority,” said Dr. Deanna Shields, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “Our quality educational programs, which now include master’s-level programs, give students a good balance of theory, application and a knowledge of the importance of critical thinking and lifelong learning.”
In a recent student satisfaction study, FSU compared very favorably to other national four-year public institutions. Overall, FSU students were more satisfied with their experience here than were students at other national four-year public institutions. Students responded that FSU met their expectations and that they would choose FSU again if given the chance. FSU’s modern facilities, student-centered focus and many other factors make FSU a first choice for many students. Services available to students include housing, dining, library resources, tutoring, disability services, student health services, counseling, career services, academic advising, multicultural programs, information technology, study abroad opportunities. Campus life includes a wide range of fine arts and athletics events and world-class guest speakers.
Students like Jess Kromer, a senior Business Administration major from Charles Town, W.Va., know firsthand about the added value that the FSU experience can add to their lives. With more than 4,600 students, FSU is large enough to offer a vibrant campus community and small enough to ensure that students will not get lost in the crowd.
“One of the reasons I came to Fairmont State was because of the main campus. All the buildings are within walking distance, which it makes it really convenient for students. It is almost like a home away from home. And, I love the Falcon Center; it is a great facility. It has a little bit of everything in there – bookstore, health clinic, the gym, a copy center, and several eateries,” Kromer said.
She has taken advantage of many opportunities to participate and be involved on campus. She has served as a freshman counselor for Welcome Weekend and is the assistant coach for Fairmont State’s dance team. She has been involved in many community service projects through her sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau, including Habitat for Humanity, Disability Action Center, Humane Society and Pine Mountain Settlement School. Last year, she was elected to serve as Student Government Vice President by the student body. In March 2010, she and other students in the School of Business traveled to Italy during spring break for a special class, “Managing Business in Europe.”
“It is an amazing experience to reach out into the community and see how one small thing you do for one person can truly make a difference,” Kromer said.
During her time at Fairmont State, Kromer has received scholarships through the School of Business and the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society. She was the first recipient at Fairmont State to receive the Regional Delta Mu Delta Honor Society Scholarship for the 2011-2012 academic year in recognition of superior scholarship, leadership and continuing studies in business.
“There are several opportunities to receive scholarships based on your performance in your classes, academics and leadership experiences on and off campus. Many of my business professors encouraged me to apply. I was really honored when the business school selected me for the Stanley and Mary Beafore Scholarship. My time at Fairmont State University has been such a rewarding experience for me that I will never forget,” Kromer said.
At FSU, students find a wide range of fields of study with more than 90 four-year programs and graduate programs.
Freshmen can begin planning ahead and exploring graduate programs early in their educational journey. At Fairmont State, we position our students to have options, and we get them ready to take advantage of future opportunities,” said Dr. Van Dempsey, Dean of the School of Education, Health and Human Performance.
The deans and faculty of FSU continually seek special opportunities to help students compete in the job market after graduation. Just one of the special opportunities for students at Fairmont State is the IBM Academic Initiative.
“The goal of the academic initiative is to provide students with the latest IT curriculum, thereby providing them with the skills to compete for lucrative 21st century job opportunities and to help ensure they are prepared to be the technology leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Richard Harvey, Dean of the School of Business.
An investment in an education from FSU, a place where putting the needs of students first is the top priority, provides a great value in the journey of lifelong learning.
School of BusinessSchool of Education, Health and Human PerformanceVan DempseyCollege of Liberal ArtsRichard HarveyDeanna ShieldsOffice of Financial AidJess KromerBusiness
