New River Community and Technical College: $5,158 Tuition

$5,158Tuition

777Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$29,073Earnings

#22 in West VirginiaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About New River Community and Technical College

New River Community and Technical College serves 777 students in the coal country of southern West Virginia. The school focuses on career training and technical education programs that prepare students for immediate employment in the region's evolving economy. Nearly all students (98.26%) come from West Virginia, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere where classmates often become lifelong professional connections.

Students pay an average net price of $3,494 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable pathways to career training in the state. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $2,578 annually. Graduates earn a median of $29,073 ten years after completing their programs. The typical graduate leaves with only $7,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of just $77. For students seeking practical skills without crushing debt, the return on investment proves solid.

The student body is predominantly female (64.48%) and reflects the demographics of rural Appalachia. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention that larger institutions cannot match. The college's 90.1% employment rate demonstrates its success in connecting graduates with regional employers who value hands-on training over theoretical education.

Academics & Faculty

New River Community and Technical College serves southern West Virginia with practical career training programs. The school emphasizes hands-on technical education in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in small classes. The 29.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face completing degrees part-time. Nearly all students (98.26%) come from West Virginia, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The college partners with local industries to ensure programs meet regional workforce needs. Students often balance school with work and family responsibilities, which explains the extended timeline many need to complete their associate degrees and certificates.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 62.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $29,073

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$33,565
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$31,839
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$28,598
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.	Certificate	$23,351
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,140
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Associate	$18,309

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

New River Community and Technical College sits in the heart of West Virginia coal country, about 90 minutes south of Charleston. With 777 students spread across a small campus, you'll recognize most faces by mid-semester. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class.

Winters here require a good coat as temperatures regularly drop below freezing and snow blankets the mountains. Nearly all students commute from surrounding rural communities, with 98% coming from in-state. The campus empties on weekends as students head home or to jobs in the region. This is a working student body where 64% are women, many juggling family responsibilities alongside coursework.

The college focuses heavily on career training for local industries like healthcare, mining technology, and skilled trades. Students often gather in the library or student center between classes, but social life centers more around study groups and job placement assistance than traditional college activities. The rural setting offers outdoor recreation like hiking and fishing, though most students are here to gain skills and enter the workforce quickly.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 2003

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0	2

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–39°F
July Avg: 61°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.2"
Annual Snowfall: 62.0"

Student Demographics

New River draws almost exclusively from West Virginia, with 98% of students calling the state home. The school serves a working-class population, with nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants and paying just $2,578 annually if their families earn under $30,000. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare programs and other traditionally female-dominated fields. The overwhelmingly white student population mirrors the demographics of rural southern West Virginia. Students typically come from families seeking affordable career training close to home.

Men: 35.5%
Women: 64.5%
White: 89.1%
Black: 4.3%
Hispanic: 1.0%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 98.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 45.5%

Location

New River Community and Technical College sits in Beaver, West Virginia, about 45 miles southeast of Charleston, the state capital. The school serves the coal-rich southern region of West Virginia, where Appalachian foothills define the landscape. Nearly all students come from in-state, with 98.26% choosing to study close to home. The rural setting reflects the broader community, where traditional industries like mining and manufacturing have shaped local culture for generations. Small towns and tight-knit communities characterize this part of the Mountain State. The college provides accessible higher education in an area where educational opportunities can be limited by geography and economics. Students considering colleges in West Virginia may also compare New River Community and Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Beaver, West Virginia 25813-8987

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $29,073
Median Earnings (5 years): $33,143
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 28.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $77/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at New River Community and Technical College?

New River Community and Technical College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The school serves 777 students primarily from West Virginia, with 98.26% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local residents seeking affordable higher education or career training.

How much does New River Community and Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,494 annually, making it highly affordable for working families. Low-income students with family incomes under $30,000 pay just $2,578 per year on average. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's role in serving economically disadvantaged populations in rural West Virginia.

What is the student-faculty ratio at New River Community and Technical College?

The school maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively personalized attention in a small college setting. Classes focus heavily on technical and career-oriented programs that prepare students for immediate employment in the region. The intimate class sizes help support students who may be first-generation college attendees or returning to education after time in the workforce.

What are the job prospects after graduating from New River Community and Technical College?

Graduates achieve a 90.1% employment rate, demonstrating the school's strong connections to local employers and relevant career training. However, median earnings after 10 years are $29,073, reflecting the regional economy and types of jobs available in rural West Virginia. The school's technical programs align with local industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and energy.

Where is New River Community and Technical College located?

The college sits in Beaver, West Virginia, a rural-fringe community that serves students from across southern West Virginia's coal and timber regions. Women make up 64.48% of the student body, which is common for community colleges offering healthcare and human services programs. The rural setting provides a close-knit campus environment but limited off-campus activities.

Does New River Community and Technical College have a good graduation rate?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 29.90%, which is challenging but not uncommon for community colleges serving working adults and part-time students. Many students attend intermittently while balancing work and family obligations, making traditional completion timelines difficult. The school was founded in 2003 and continues developing programs to better support student success and retention.