Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,025
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 32:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $95/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $57,995 | $9,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,161 | $10,500 |
| 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 | $9,500 |
Outcomes Overview
New River graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads. The median debt of $9,000 creates monthly payments of just $95, representing only 2.8% of typical graduate income. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 ranks among the lowest for Virginia community colleges. The college serves the New River Valley's healthcare, manufacturing, and service sectors particularly well. Many graduates find work at nearby hospitals, Volvo's truck assembly plant, or Virginia Tech support services. The 92.7% employment rate reflects strong regional job placement. Ten years out, median earnings of $40,025 provide solid middle-class incomes for rural Virginia. The combination of low debt, high employment rates, and steady career advancement makes this a strong return on investment for students seeking practical career training.