Fairmont State University launches new Access Scholarship to provide free tuition for incoming West Virginia students
Fairmont State University has a long-standing tradition of looking for innovative ways to assist students with tuition and fee costs. The Access Scholarship is Fairmont State’s newest initiative designed to help incoming students from West Virginia cover tuition and mandatory fees.
"Fairmont State’s Access Scholarship is a transformative opportunity for West Virginia students, offering a tuition-free path to a top-tier education that fuels both personal growth and career success,” said Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer John Nisbet.
The Access Scholarship is a tuition-free guarantee for eligible high school graduates, transfer students, and former Fairmont State students looking to return and complete their degrees.
To qualify, students must:
- Be a West Virginia resident or a graduate of a West Virginia high school
- Have a household income of $70,000 or less
- Apply and be admitted to Fairmont State
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by June 15, 2025
- Be enrolled full-time
To remain eligible for the Access Scholarship, students must make satisfactory academic progress and remain in good academic standing, maintain full-time enrollment, and submit a FAFSA annually.
“Fairmont State has long been committed to making higher education more affordable and accessible,” said President Mike Davis. “The launch of the Access Scholarship program is another step toward fulfilling our vision of being A Great Place to Learn. Our goal is to provide students with a high-quality education without the burden of overwhelming debt, opening doors to life-changing opportunities.”
Fairmont State has a strong history of supporting students with financial aid programs, including the SOAR Scholarship Awards, In-State Traditions Scholarships, Out-of-State Traditions Scholarships, Transfer Success Scholarship, and Athletic Scholarships.
In addition, the Fairmont State Board of Governors recently voted to freeze in-state tuition and reduce out-of-state tuition for the 2025 academic year, making Fairmont State more affordable than 175 colleges and universities east of the Mississippi River.
The Access Scholarship is the latest effort to invest in West Virginia students, ensuring they have the resources to reach their full potential. As Fairmont State continues to explore new ways to serve students and the community, the University reaffirms its commitment to being A Great Place to Learn, Work, and Call Home.
To learn more about the Access Scholarship, visit the Access Scholarship webpage.
