FARIMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont State University says it’s responding to economic challenges faced by students with a new reduced rate campus housing program.
The university has announced a limited number of significantly discounted rooms will be made available in the historic Morrow Hall in the center of campus.
Fairmont State Vice President of Student Success Ken Fettig said there was a reason for choosing Morrow Hall.
“We wanted to look at how we take that most historic hall that has a ton character that’s right in the middle of campus to spruce it up for new students to come and live in,” Fettig said.
Morrow Hall is more than 100-years-old.
Next fall, students will pay $1,600 per semester, per student for double occupancy or a single student can have a double room for $2,100 per semester, per student. That rate is up from $2,414 per semester, per student for a double.
“A single room in Morrow Hall is basically where a student gets a double room, but they get it all to themselves,” Fairmont State Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Life Alicia Kalka said.
Jeremiah Kibler, associate director of housing and residence life said the rate is one of lowest, not only in the state, but in the nation. Officials want Fairmont State University to be recognized as a model for an accessible learner-centered institution.
“That $1,600 per semester, per student is less than half the national average for housing on a college or university campus,” Kibler said.
The program is a direct response to concerns staff has heard during site visits and while on the road talking to students and families. The concerns are validated by a report from The Hope Center’s #RealCollegeSurvey said housing insecurity among college students is 23-percent higher than pre-pandemic levels.
“In talking to students and listening to students we have continued to hear about financial concerns from our families in the state of West Virginia,” Kalka said.
This program will ease housing costs and eliminate one reason students are prevented from pursuing or continuing higher education. Additionally, 97% of the student body is from West Virginia making it a pipeline of workers for state industry and business.
“Our goal and our intent is for students who start here complete with a degree and they don’t have to stop because life got in the way of something or finances got in the way,” Fettig said.