Quality Control & Safety Technology at Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
68 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
69
Optimistic
68
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,423/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Large (95,600 openings/yr)
ROI 25.9x earnings multiple (11.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 21 Quality Control programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Quality Control & Safety Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $902K $875K $765K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 26.7x 25.9x 22.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 12.3x 11.9x 10.4x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 69 68 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,816
Out-of-state: $73,488 (11.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$36,220
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,527
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$99,003
104% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $48,423 place Fairmont State University below the $63,917 national median for Quality Control & Safety Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 25.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Quality Control & Safety Technology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,527 against $48,423/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #10 ranking among 21 Quality Control & Safety Technology programs places Fairmont State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $48,423-to-$99,003 earnings arc over five years reflects a 104% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Fairmont State University

Fairmont State University accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 2,690 students in Fairmont, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at Fairmont State University →

Top Career Paths

Occupational health and safety specialists $83,910/yr
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians $64,790/yr
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians $58,890/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Quality Control & Safety Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fairmont State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Quality Control & Safety Technology at Fairmont State University?
At 68/100, Fairmont State University's Quality Control & Safety Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Quality Control & Safety Technology at Fairmont State University?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Fairmont State University a good choice for Quality Control & Safety Technology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Fairmont State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →