Academic Scholarships Impact

Academic Scholarships

You Deserve an Award That Matches Your Hard Work

The late nights.
Sacrificing your weekends (and your social life).
Balancing academics with your other obligations.

You deserve institutional aid that recognizes the hard work and sacrifices you've made. That's why Fairmont State University has not only created multiple scholarships and other institutional aid, but we've also created a system that rewards hard working students like you.

At Fairmont State University, we believe your future should not be defined by your ability to pay but by your potential for success. Our goal is simple: To help you graduate with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to launch a successful career and enjoy a rewarding life-without carrying an unnecessary financial burden.

The Process of Awarding Academic-Based Scholarships

Academic-based scholarships comprise a significant portion of institutional aid.

A student in a chemistry lab
  • Our process for awarding these academic scholarships is competitive and offers opportunities for top students to build larger academic scholarship portfolios.
  • Students must be admitted to Fairmont State University.
  • Remember, academic scholarships are just one part of a full institutional aid package. You may also qualify for other aid.
  • You will be only awarded the highest academic scholarship for which you qualify.
  • All academic scholarships are renewable with GPA of 2.75 or higher and satisfactory academic progress at Fairmont State.
  • Academic scholarships are tiered—as scholarship awards increase the eligibility criteria becomes more rigorous.
  • All candidates for scholarships must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
A student at a career fair

Scholarship Levels

Success Scholarship

Automatically awarded for 3.0 and higher high school GPА, up to $1,500 per year.

Traditions Scholarship

3.25 and higher high school GPA, up to $3,000 per year. This is a competition-based scholarship-students must reserve a time to compete on one of our Scholarship Days (see dates below).

Dean's Scholarship

3.25 and higher high school GPА, up to $6,000 per year. This is a competition-based scholarship-students must reserve a time to compete on one of our Scholarship Days (see dates below).

Presidential Scholarship

3.25 and higher high school GPA. Awards full tuition, books, room, and board. The top 20 students from the Scholarship Day competitions are eligible to compete for the Presidential Scholarship, Fairmont State University's most prestigious scholarship.

Scholarship Days at Fairmont State University

The awarding of academic scholarships at Fairmont State involves a rigorous competition process that take place on Scholarship Days. Here's an overview of how it works:

  • All students with at least a 3.0 high school GPA qualify for the $1500 Success Scholarship.
  • If students choose to compete on a Scholarship Day, they will either earn the Traditions Scholarship or the Dean's Scholarship, based on points earned (students compete once for the two separate awards).
  • As part of Scholarship Day, students will interview twice-once with staff from the Office of Admissions staff and again with representatives from the candidate's academic college of interest.
  • Admissions staff will also review students' high school transcripts as part of the competition and selection process.
  • Students with the highest point values will bypass the Traditions Scholarship and will be awarded a Dean's Scholarship.
  • The top 20 scores from the two Scholarship Days will be invited to compete for the Presidential Scholarship, our most prestigious scholarship.
  • Candidates invited to compete for the Presidential Scholarship will interview with Fairmont State University president Michael Davis in person.

Academic Scholarship Competition Dates

Eligible students may compete for the Traditions and Dean's Scholarships on these Scholarship Day dates:

NOVEMBER 14, 2026 and FEBRUARY 20, 2027

In March 2027, the 20 top-scoring students from the two Scholarship Days will be invited to compete for the Presidential Scholarship.

REGISTER FOR ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION DAY

Frequently Asked Questions