At $6,031/yr net price, New River Community College graduates earn $40,025/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,025/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,031 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,124 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,025/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,025/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,844/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,329/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,776/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,013/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,685/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
43.8% of students at New River Community College 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
New River Community College delivers solid returns for technical programs but weak outcomes for general studies. At $6,031 annually, the school costs less than most options, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right program.
Electrical maintenance technology graduates earn $57,995 within ten years, making this the clear financial winner. Nursing programs also perform well, with registered nurses earning $50,161 and practical nurses bringing in $35,060. These technical tracks justify the investment and connect directly to Virginia's regional job market in healthcare and manufacturing.
Computer science and business administration show concerning returns. Computer science graduates earn just $32,569 despite the field's reputation, while business administration barely exceeds the overall median at $41,025. These programs may lack the hands-on training employers want or prepare students for oversaturated local markets.
The 43.8% graduation rate creates significant risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs. The median $9,000 debt load stays manageable for successful graduates but becomes problematic if you don't finish.
Only 20.85% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most pay the full net price. This could indicate limited aid availability or that many students don't qualify for assistance.
New River works best if you're pursuing electrical technology or nursing and can commit to completing your program. The school's technical focus aligns with regional employer needs, particularly in Southwest Virginia's industrial sectors. Avoid this school if you want computer science or business training, or if you're uncertain about finishing your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New River Community College worth the money?
New River Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $6,031 per year and median debt of only $9,000. However, the 44% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $40,025 after 10 years are modest.
What are the best paying programs at New River Community College?
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology leads with $57,995 in earnings, followed by Registered Nursing at $50,161. These technical programs offer the strongest return on investment at New River Community College.
How much debt do New River Community College graduates have?
New River Community College graduates carry a median debt of $9,000, which is relatively low for higher education. The affordable tuition helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at New River Community College?
Only 44% of students graduate from New River Community College. This low completion rate means over half of enrolled students leave without finishing their programs.