Education at Fairmont State University

Fairmont State's education program produces graduates earning $40,931 right out of the gate—sitting squarely at the 60th percentile both nationally and among West Virginia's education programs. The debt load of $22,760 is reasonable for a teaching credential, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 that's manageable on a teacher's salary. However, earnings effectively flatline over the next three years, with graduates making virtually the same amount four years post-graduation as they did in year one.

This stagnation is the program's main weakness. While many education graduates don't see dramatic salary growth early in their careers due to rigid teacher pay scales, zero growth over four years suggests limited advancement opportunities or movement into higher-paying positions. The higher-than-typical debt percentile (77th nationally) means graduates are carrying more debt than most education majors elsewhere, which matters when paired with flat earnings.

For families committed to teaching in West Virginia, Fairmont State delivers adequate preparation at a cost that won't bury graduates in debt. The starting salary matches the state median, and with the state's lower cost of living, that $41,000 goes further than in many places. Just understand that this career path trades financial growth for other rewards—if your child needs earning potential that increases meaningfully over time, education may not be the right fit regardless of where they study it.