Head-to-head · 2026
Fairmont State University vs New River Community and Technical College
Compare average net price ($9,032 at Fairmont State University; $3,599 at New River Community and Technical College), ROI score (12.97 vs 20.20), ten-year median earnings ($46,857 vs $29,073), and admissions context (98.6% at Fairmont State University; Open / not reported at New River Community and Technical College) using federal College Scorecard data. New River Community and Technical College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. New River Community and Technical College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Fairmont State University | New River Community and Technical College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.97 | 20.20 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $9,032 | $3,599 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $46,857 ✓ | $29,073 |
| Acceptance rate | 98.6% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 44.3% ✓ | 36% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $7,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,590 | 770 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 996 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Fairmont State University costs $5,433 more per year than New River Community and Technical College ($9,032 vs $3,599). Fairmont State University graduates report $17,784 higher median earnings after ten years ($46,857 vs $29,073). On EduGradify's model that puts New River Community and Technical College ahead on projected ROI (20.20 vs 12.97, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (New River Community and Technical College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Fairmont State University reports 98.6% acceptance; New River Community and Technical College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Fairmont State University vs New River Community and Technical College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Fairmont State University or New River Community and Technical College the better value?
New River Community and Technical College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (20.20 vs 12.97), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
New River Community and Technical College is cheaper — average net price $3,599 per year vs $9,032 at Fairmont State University. The annual difference of $5,433 adds up to about $21,732 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Fairmont State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $46,857 vs $29,073 at New River Community and Technical College. The annual gap in the federal data is $17,784.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Fairmont State University reports a A value grade; New River Community and Technical College reports A+.