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 gives you a low sticker price but a weak payoff. At under $10,000 a year net, your out-of-pocket cost stays reasonable, and median debt of $18,900 keeps you from graduating deep in the hole. But median earnings of $42,703 ten years out are low, and the programs listed here start you well below that.
The program-level numbers are the real warning. Teacher education, your top-earning major here, pays $33,883 while carrying nearly $18,721 in debt. Design and applied arts, business administration, and specialized sales all land in the $27,000 range. These are early-career figures, but starting a business degree at $27,222 is thin, and none of the listed bachelor's programs clear $34,000. If you want a strong salary out of school, none of these majors deliver it.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. Concord graduates 42% of students, and only 49% come back for a second year. Half of you leave, and leaving with debt and no degree is the worst financial outcome here. That retention number should weigh heavily before you enroll.
The net price tiers work in your favor if your family earns under $48,000, where you pay around $8,300 to $9,300. Families over $75,000 pay close to $14,000, which is still moderate for a four-year school. The pricing is flat and predictable across income bands.
Concord fits you if cost control matters more than salary, you plan to teach in West Virginia, and you are confident you'll graduate. It's a poor fit if you're borrowing heavily for a business or design degree expecting a strong return, or if you're unsure you'll stick around past freshman year given the coin-flip retention rate.
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.