Fairmont State University Offers High Quality, Affordable Programs

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.

FSU is large enough to offer a vibrant campus community and small enough to ensure that students will not get lost in the crowd.

Michael White recalls being terrified but excited as he drove up to his Fairmont State University residence hall for the first time. “All of a sudden, a bunch of people were welcoming me and grabbing my things and taking them to my room. I don’t think I even had time to understand what was happening,” he said.

These friendly faces were members of the University’s Freshman Counselor program. These student volunteers aim to help freshmen adjust to college life. From unloading their cars during move-in day, to helping locate classes, to sitting together at meals, the Freshman Counselors go out of their way to make the newest Falcons feel at home. The peer counselors help new students navigate through the obstacles that sometimes surface during their first semester.

“As the third largest university in West Virginia, Fairmont State offers many resources but is also small enough that students find the personal attention they need from faculty. Our 18:1 student to faculty ratio means that professors remember students’ names and students get to know their peers,” said Amie Fazalare, Director of Admissions and Recruitment.

At FSU, students find a wide range of fields of study with more than 80 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.

Richard HarveyVan DempseyOffice of Financial AidOffice of Admissions and RecruitmentMichael WhiteDeanna ShieldsAmie Fazalare