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Welcome Home Program: Financial Assistance for Returning Students

Welcome back to your home at Fairmont State University!

A woman in a white dress and a maroon graduation capFormer Fairmont State students who stopped out before completing their degree can take advantage of the Welcome Home Program. This program removes financial and administrative barriers for students returning from a seven-year or longer absence.

Many former students left the University because of life circumstances, financial hardship, or competing responsibilities; not because they lacked ability or commitment to higher education. The Welcome Home Program acknowledges those realities, extends grace, and provides a clear pathway for students to return, re-enroll, and complete their degree.

At the core of this program is a simple message: You belong here, and we want to help you complete your degree. 

Why Choose Fairmont State University?Philosophy & Purpose  Eligibility Requirements Benefits FAQs Next Steps 

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Why Choose Fairmont State University?

As an institution of higher learning, Fairmont State University is committed to access, second chances, and degree completion. The Welcome Home Program reflects the University’s broader mission to serve students, families, and communities across West Virginia and the region. 

Philosophy & Purpose

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The Welcome Home Program is grounded on these beliefs: 
  • Stopping out is often the result of external pressure, not academic failure
  • Financial barriers, particularly prior balances, are one of the most significant obstacles preventing former students from returning
  • Universities have a responsibility to create pathways back for students who have demonstrated commitment to furthering their education by enrolling previously 
By offering a combination of tuition relief, balance reduction, and flexible repayment, the Welcome Home Program is designed to: 
  • Re-engage former students who are otherwise unable to return
  • Reduce student debt burden while maintaining institutional accountability
  • Support adult learners and returning students with dignity and flexibility
  • Increase persistence in students, student retention, and degree completion 
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Welcome Home Program Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Welcome Home Program, you must meet all the following criteria:

  • Be a previously enrolled student at Fairmont State University but did not complete a degree 
  • Have stopped out seven (7) or more years prior to your date of re-enrollment 
  • Return to Fairmont State with the purpose of completing an undergraduate degree 
  • Must complete a FAFSA

Applicants returning to Fairmont State and have not attended other higher education institutions since leaving Fairmont State do not need to meet regular admission standards regarding academic requirements.

Applicants returning to Fairmont State after attending other higher education institutions since leaving Fairmont State must meet regular admission standards for transfer students. 

Welcome Home Program Benefits 

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Eligible students participating in the Welcome Home Program will receive the following benefits: 

  • Free tuition for all students in their final semester, including returning students with no more than one semester remaining to complete their degree 
  • University grant aid covering up to one course per semester until degree completion for students with more than one semester remaining to complete their degree 

Institutional gift assistance will be awarded after federal and state financial grants have been factored into the student’s tuition. Students are expected to engage with advising, financial aid, and student success resources. Continued enrollment beyond the first semester follows standard tuition, aid, and billing policies. 

Welcome Home Program FAQs 

Next Steps

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If the last institution you attended was Fairmont State:

submit the undergraduate application as a readmit student

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If Fairmont State is not the last institution you attended:

submit the undergraduate application as a transfer student.

Contact Us

Office of Financial Aid Services

 (304) 367-4141

 financialaid@fairmontstate.edu