College Detail

FAIRMONT STATE UNIVERSITY

FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA

The University

Fairmont State University (FSU) has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students. Founded as a private school in 1865, the University is located in Fairmont, West Virginia.

A comprehensive, multisite, selective, four-year institution, FSU offers a high-quality education in a diverse and supportive learning environment that fosters individual growth, professional and career development, lifelong learning, global understanding, and a commitment to excellence in academic and community pursuits. FSU offers more than ninety baccalaureate programs as well as graduate programs. Graduate programs are available in education, criminal justice, and nursing.

The main campus features fifteen buildings on more than 90 acres. From the historic administration building, Hardway Hall, to the brand-new Bryant Place residence hall, the facilities are a blend of tradition and technology. Facilities also include the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center in Bridgeport, West Virginia, and the Gaston Caperton Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Fairmont State is a member of the NCAA Division II and the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Varsity programs for men are offered in football, basketball, baseball, cross-country, golf, tennis, and swimming. The intercollegiate athletic programs for women include tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball, swimming, softball, and cross-country.

Fairmont State offers more than eighty clubs, organizations, student publications, honoraries, sororities, and fraternities, as well as wide range of intramural sports. Many fine arts performances and exhibits are planned each semester. Nationally prominent speakers are invited to the campus.

The new Student Activity Center features 7,000 square feet of fitness equipment; five versatile courts for indoor sports; space for fitness classes; a four-lane pool with a whirlpool, sauna, and outdoor sunning deck; a four-lane cushioned jogging/walking track; game rooms; and more.

Location

Fairmont, a city of more than 19,000 in north-central West Virginia, is the county seat of Marion County. Located along Interstate 79 approximately 90 miles south of Pittsburgh, Fairmont and the University are easily accessible to all travelers. Shopping malls, restaurants, cultural entertainment, and nightlife are easily found throughout the area.

West Virginias natural treasuresmountains, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, wildflowers, clean air, and vast tracts of national forestare all close at hand. In and near Fairmont are popular trails for hiking and biking, rivers for white-water rafting, excellent spots for rock and mountain climbing, camping, fishing, and some of the best skiing in the East.

Majors and Degrees

FSU offers ninety 4-year baccalaureate degrees. For a complete list of majors offered, students should visit the University's Web site.

Academic Programs

Programs are offered in the following areas: business, education, health, fine arts, health careers, language, science, mathematics, social science, and technology.

The Honors Program encourages and instructs highly motivated students through general honors classes, advanced seminars, and an interdisciplinary colloquium. Students conduct independent scholarship, research assignments, internships, and creative projects. Students have the opportunity for field trips, lectures, and cultural events.

Academic Facilities

The Ruth Ann Musick Library has a collection of more than 200,000 books and more than 15,000 bound periodicals, microfilms, and other materials, including a large collection of audiotapes and videotapes. The library also has sites at the Caperton Center and the National Aerospace Education Center.

FSUs state-of-the-art technology infrastructure includes thirty computer labs and high-speed network connections that are accessible from the library, classrooms, and every residence hall room, as well as the most up-to-date teaching software.

FSU is also home to the West Virginia Folklife Center, which is dedicated to the identification, preservation, and perpetuation of the regions rich cultural heritage through academic studies, educational programs, festivals, performances, and publications. The center is part of the FSU Department of Language and Literature.

Costs

For the 200405 academic year, in-state students at Fairmont State paid $1820 in tuition and fees, $2614 for room and board, and $600 for books and supplies, for a total of $5034 each semester. For out-of-state students, tuition and fees were $3937, room and board were $2614, and books and supplies were $600, for a total of $7151 each semester.

Financial Aid

About 80 percent of Fairmont State students receive some form of aid. Guidelines and forms for West Virginia and out-of-state residents are available from high school guidance counselors or the Fairmont State Financial Aid Office. Fairmont State awards more than $30 million in financial assistance each year.

Faculty

FSU employs more than 200 full-time faculty members, ensuring a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. Dedicated academic advisers and faculty members work one-on-one with students to meet their individual needs.

Student Government

Student Government actively seeks to supplement the academic atmosphere with intellectual, cultural, and social activities. Student Government members are involved in all aspects of life on campus and work cooperatively with the administration.

Admission Requirements

First-time freshmen who wish to apply for admission to Fairmont State University must submit an application for admission; an official high school transcript or GED certificate (sent by the high school or the Department of Education), with a GPA of 2.5 or higher; ACT or SAT scores (at least 17 on the ACT or 830 on the SAT); a college transcript (if college credit was earned during high school); immunization records (if the applicant was born after January 1, 1957); and a statement of activities (if the applicant has been out of high school more than six months). Students applying for transfer admission must submit an application for admission; a college transcript from accredited institutions, showing a minimum GPA of 2.0; an official high school transcript and ACT/SAT or COMPASS scores if there are fewer than 32 earned credit hours being transferred; immunization records (if the applicant was born after January 1, 1957); and a statement of activities. Postbaccalaureate students who are seeking another degree must submit an application for admission, official college transcripts, a statement of activities, and immunization records (if the applicant was born after January 1, 1957).

Application and Information

On a Saturday each fall, Fairmont State schedules a Campus Visitation Day so potential students and their family members and friends can visit the campus and attend information sessions on admissions, financial aid, and living on campus. An Academic Fair is also scheduled so students can meet with faculty members about the academic schools and departments.

Campus tours through the Office of Admissions are available Mondays through Fridays. To set up a tour, students should call 800-641-5678 Ext. 2 (toll-free) or 304-367-4855. Tours can also be scheduled online at the University's Web site.

For further information, students may contact: