River Valley Community College: $6,940 Tuition

$6,940Tuition

610Students

31%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,700Earnings

#14 in New HampshirePublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About River Valley Community College

River Valley Community College serves the upper Connecticut River Valley with career-focused programs and clear transfer pathways to four-year schools. This small community college enrolls just 610 students in rural New Hampshire, creating an intimate learning environment where students get personal attention. The college has built its reputation on practical training that gets graduates into the workforce quickly.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for students seeking affordable education. Students with family incomes under $30,000 pay an average net price of $18,747, while those from middle-income families ($48-75K) pay $24,442. Graduates earn a median of $44,700 ten years after starting college, making their typical monthly loan payment of $172 very manageable. With median debt of just $16,226, students avoid the crushing loan burdens common at four-year institutions.

The student body reflects the college's mission as a local institution, with 87% coming from New Hampshire. Women make up nearly 80% of enrollment, typical for community colleges with strong healthcare and human services programs. An impressive 96% employment rate shows employers value what students learn here. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name.

Academics & Faculty

River Valley Community College serves the upper Connecticut River Valley with career-focused programs designed for immediate workforce entry and four-year transfer preparation. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means students work closely with instructors in small classes. About 31% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the college's mix of part-time working students and career changers. The school emphasizes hands-on training in healthcare, business, and technical fields that match regional employer needs. Transfer agreements with New Hampshire's four-year universities help students continue their education affordably. Most programs blend practical skills with general education requirements that prepare students for both careers and further study.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Full-Time Faculty: 27.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,700

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,415
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$53,608
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$47,260
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$42,402
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$32,925

View all 30 programs →

Campus Life

Students at River Valley Community College navigate a compact campus in New Hampshire's Connecticut River Valley, about two hours from Boston. With 610 students and a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll recognize most faces by mid-semester. Women make up 79% of the student body, creating a female-dominated environment. The rural setting means winter coats are essential from November through March, with snow often lasting into April.

Most students commute from the surrounding valley towns, as this is primarily a day campus without dormitories. Weekends tend to be quiet on campus since 87% of students live in-state and many return home. The college draws heavily from working adults and career-changers, with many students juggling jobs alongside classes. Popular programs focus on healthcare, business, and trades that serve the local economy. Students often study in the library or grab coffee between classes, but the real social connections happen in program-specific labs and clinical settings. The small size means getting involved in student government or clubs gives you genuine leadership opportunities.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1968

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	3

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 9°–29°F
July Avg: 56°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.0"
Annual Snowfall: 66.1"

Student Demographics

River Valley draws students from across New Hampshire and Vermont, with 87% coming from in-state. Women make up nearly 80% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and health sciences programs that have anchored its reputation since 1968. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working families in the Connecticut River Valley. The 610-student enrollment creates a tight-knit community where students often know each other. Most are seeking career training or planning to transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees.

Men: 21.0%
Women: 79.0%
White: 80.2%
Black: 2.8%
Hispanic: 6.4%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 87.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.4%

Location

River Valley Community College sits in Claremont, New Hampshire, about 90 miles northwest of Boston. The campus serves the rural Connecticut River Valley region along the Vermont border. With 87% of its 610 students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from small New Hampshire towns and rural communities. Claremont itself is a former mill town of about 12,000 people surrounded by rolling hills and forests typical of the Upper Valley region. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities but limited urban amenities. Students can access larger cities like Lebanon or White River Junction within 30 minutes. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare River Valley Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Claremont, New Hampshire 03743-9707

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,700
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,093
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $172/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,226

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at River Valley Community College?

River Valley Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, accepting students regardless of previous academic performance. The school serves 610 students primarily from New Hampshire and Vermont in the upper Connecticut River Valley. Founded in 1968, it focuses on providing accessible higher education opportunities for working adults and recent high school graduates.

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

The average net price at River Valley Community College is $20,455 annually. In-state students pay $6,940 in tuition while out-of-state students face $15,190. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay $18,747 after aid, with graduates carrying a median debt of $16,226.

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

River Valley Community College offers personalized attention with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes career-focused programs alongside transfer pathways to four-year universities. Small class sizes allow for hands-on learning in technical and healthcare programs.

What are the employment outcomes for River Valley Community College graduates?

River Valley Community College graduates achieve a 95.9% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. The median earnings after 10 years reach $44,700, reflecting the college's focus on career-ready programs. However, only 31.40% of students complete their programs within six years, typical for community colleges serving many part-time and working students.

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

River Valley Community College sits in Claremont, New Hampshire, in a rural-fringe setting that serves the broader Connecticut River Valley region. The student body of 610 is 87.02% in-state residents, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. Women comprise 79.02% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and education programs.

Does River Valley Community College offer good financial aid support?

River Valley Community College students show significant financial need, with 32.37% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. Federal loan participation reaches 39.67% of students with monthly payments averaging $172 after graduation. The loan repayment rate of 48.38% indicates some graduates face challenges meeting their debt obligations despite the college's career focus.