At $9,983/yr net price, Concord University graduates earn $42,703/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,703/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,983 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,932 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,703/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,703/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,900 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,292/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,307/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,904/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,948/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,256/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | Master | $41,286 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $40,827 | $26,750 |
| Public Health. | Master | $36,848 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,883 | $18,721 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $27,397 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $27,222 | $18,354 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $27,126 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $25,856 | $15,869 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $16,699 |
| History. | Bachelor | $24,615 |
The Risk Factor
42.3% of students at Concord University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Concord University offers a low-cost education but delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The median debt load of $18,900 is manageable, but the 42% graduation rate means many students pay without finishing their degrees.
Education majors earn the highest returns at $41,286 annually, making this the school's strongest financial path despite the relatively modest salary. Social work graduates earn $40,827 but carry higher debt at $26,750, creating a tighter financial outcome. Public health offers decent earning potential at $36,848 with lower debt burdens.
Design and applied arts majors face poor financial prospects with earnings of just $27,397 annually. This represents one of the weakest ROI scenarios at Concord, where the degree cost barely justifies the income potential in West Virginia's limited creative job market.
The 49% retention rate signals academic and financial struggles that compound the risk of borrowing for an incomplete degree. Your chances of completing your program are essentially a coin flip, making Concord particularly risky if you're academically unprepared or financially stretched.
Concord works best financially for in-state students planning education or social service careers who want to stay in West Virginia. The low net price of $9,983 makes it accessible, but you need a clear career path and strong academic preparation to maximize your investment. Students seeking higher-earning majors or those uncertain about graduation should consider alternatives with better completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Concord University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Concord University offers below-average returns with graduates earning $42,703 ten years after enrollment, which is low for a four-year degree. The low net price of $9,983 helps offset poor earning outcomes, but the 42% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Concord University?
Education majors at Concord University earn around $41,286 after graduation, making it the highest-paying program. Social Work ($40,827) and Public Health ($36,848) also provide decent returns, while Design and Applied Arts graduates earn just $27,397.
How much student debt do Concord University graduates have?
Concord University graduates carry a median debt of $18,900, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with low post-graduation earnings averaging $42,703, debt payments may still strain budgets.
Does Concord University have good job placement after graduation?
Concord University's 42% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. The low average earnings of $42,703 ten years post-enrollment indicate limited career advancement opportunities for graduates.