New River Community College: $4,835 Tuition

$4,835Tuition

1,917Students

44%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,025Earnings

#22 in VirginiaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About New River Community College

New River Community College serves 1,917 students in Dublin, a small town in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The college has built a strong reputation for career-focused programs that connect directly to regional employment needs. Nearly 98% of students come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere where everyone knows each other.

Students pay an average net price of $6,031 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable pathways to higher education in the region. In-state tuition runs just $4,835 per year. Graduates earn a median of $40,025 ten years after starting, while carrying only $9,000 in debt with monthly loan payments of $95. The math works well for students seeking practical skills without crushing debt. An impressive 92.7% employment rate shows employers value what students learn here.

The student body splits almost evenly between men and women at 50.5% to 49.5%. With 80% of students identifying as white, diversity remains limited in this rural setting. The 32:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than typical, but the college compensates with hands-on training in labs and workshops. Only 20.85% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many families fall into the middle-income range where every tuition dollar counts.

Academics & Faculty

New River Community College serves as the primary gateway to higher education for Virginia's New River Valley region. The school offers career-focused programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that align with the area's economic needs. With a student-faculty ratio of 32:1, students work in larger classroom settings typical of community colleges. The 43.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face while balancing work and family responsibilities. Students often transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly after completing certificate and associate degree programs. The college emphasizes hands-on training and partnerships with local employers to prepare graduates for immediate employment in the region.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 32:1
Full-Time Faculty: 32.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 43.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,025

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology.	Associate	$57,995
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$50,161
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$41,025
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$35,060
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$32,569
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$28,960
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Certificate	$28,236
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$23,456
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,508

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

New River Community College sits in Dublin, a small town in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains about 45 minutes from Blacksburg. With 1,917 students spread across a commuter campus, you won't find dorms or traditional college life here. The 97.62% in-state student body reflects the school's role serving local communities in the New River Valley.

Expect four distinct seasons with cold winters requiring a good coat and mild summers. The mountain setting means stunning fall colors but also morning frost from October through March. Students typically drive to campus for classes then head home or to work afterward. The 32:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but professors know the region and often have industry connections. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation like hiking, fishing, and camping in nearby Jefferson National Forest. Many students work part-time jobs while completing their associate degrees, reflected in the 92.7% employment rate. The small-town atmosphere means everyone knows each other, and faculty often remember students long after graduation.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1959

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–42°F
July Avg: 61°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.0"
Annual Snowfall: 15.8"

Student Demographics

New River Community College draws overwhelmingly from Virginia, with 98% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the school's role as a local educational anchor in southwestern Virginia's rural communities. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, typical for full community colleges offering both technical and transfer programs. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to careers or four-year degrees. The demographic mix mirrors the broader Appalachian region, with students primarily from white, rural backgrounds.

Men: 50.6%
Women: 49.5%
White: 80.4%
Black: 5.2%
Hispanic: 5.0%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 97.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.9%

Location

New River Community College sits in Dublin, Virginia, roughly 50 miles southwest of Roanoke in the New River Valley. The campus serves a town-distant setting where 97.62% of the 1,917 students come from in-state. Dublin lies in the heart of Appalachian Virginia, surrounded by rolling hills and outdoor recreation opportunities along the New River. The area maintains a small-town feel with strong ties to agriculture and manufacturing. Students pay just $4,835 for in-state tuition in this affordable region. The New River Valley offers a quieter college experience compared to Virginia's urban centers. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare New River Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Dublin, Virginia 24084-3660

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,025
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,467
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 42.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $95/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is it to get into New River Community College?

New River Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school grades or test scores. The college serves 1,917 students and draws 97.62% of its enrollment from Virginia residents. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking affordable higher education or career training.

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

Students pay an average net price of $6,031 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at $4,835. Only 20.85% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-income families. Graduates leave with a median debt of just $9,000, keeping monthly loan payments around $95.

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

The college operates with a 32:1 student-faculty ratio, which is higher than many community colleges but typical for rural institutions. Classes tend to focus on practical, hands-on learning in programs like nursing, engineering technology, and business. The semester calendar system allows students to complete degrees efficiently.

What do graduates of New River Community College earn after finishing?

Alumni earn a median salary of $40,025 ten years after graduation, with strong employment rates of 92.7%. The college's career-focused programs prepare students for Virginia's manufacturing and healthcare industries. About 43.80% of students complete their programs within six years, a solid rate for a community college.

Where is New River Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Dublin, Virginia, a small town in the New River Valley known for its outdoor recreation and proximity to Virginia Tech. With nearly equal numbers of men (50.55%) and women (49.45%), the student body is 80.39% white and primarily local. The rural setting appeals to students who prefer a close-knit community atmosphere over big city life.

Does New River Community College offer good value for career training?

The college excels at providing affordable workforce development with low debt loads and strong employment outcomes. Students can complete associate degrees or certificates in high-demand fields while staying close to home. The combination of $9,000 median debt and $40,025 earnings represents solid return on investment for rural Virginia students.