Students at Concord University benefit from exceptional affordability that makes college accessible to families across income levels, with net prices well below national averages.
The university serves as an important access point for first-generation and low-income students in rural West Virginia, providing educational opportunity where it might otherwise be limited.
Concord University is a small public institution in Athens, West Virginia, that serves as an accessible entry point to higher education for many students who might not otherwise attend college. Nearly 47% of students receive Pell Grants and 48% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students from modest economic backgrounds. The institution ranks in the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility quadrant, meaning it provides broad access but faces challenges in delivering the strongest possible earnings outcomes.
What Concord does well is keep costs manageable for families across income levels. Low-income students pay about $8,292 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $10,904 — both well below national averages for public institutions. The university maintains a 42% six-year graduation rate, and graduates earn a median of $42,703 ten years after enrollment, which represents modest but positive earnings beyond expectations compared with similar institutions.
As a small public university in rural West Virginia, Concord serves students who often stay in the region after graduation. The institution provides educational opportunity in an area where college access might otherwise be limited, focusing on practical programs that prepare students for local and regional employment rather than high-mobility national careers.
Concord University's program portfolio reflects its mission to serve regional workforce needs and provide practical education for students from modest economic backgrounds. General Studies, the largest program with 73 graduates, offers flexibility for students exploring career paths or completing degrees they started elsewhere, though earnings outcomes are modest at $25,856. Adult and Continuing Education serves 43 students with stronger financial returns at $33,883, reflecting demand for educational professionals in rural communities.
Business Administration represents another core offering, graduating 43 students who earn a median of $27,222 early in their careers. These programs align with local employment opportunities in small business management, social services, and education rather than high-mobility fields that require relocation to major metropolitan areas.
The university's program mix emphasizes accessibility and regional relevance over maximum earnings potential. While graduates don't achieve the highest absolute salaries, the programs provide practical skills and credentials that open doors to stable employment in West Virginia's economy. For many students, particularly those who are first-generation college attendees, these outcomes represent meaningful economic advancement within their community context.
Graduates of Concord University earn a median of $42,703 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the lower portion of national earnings outcomes. However, these graduates do earn about $4,367 more than similar students at comparable institutions, showing that Concord provides modest but meaningful earnings beyond expectations. This positive differential suggests the university adds value despite operating with limited resources and serving a student population that faces significant economic challenges.
The university's program mix reflects its regional focus and student needs. General Studies is the largest program with 73 graduates earning a median of $25,856, while Adult and Continuing Education serves 43 students with stronger outcomes at $33,883. Business Administration, another popular field with 43 graduates, produces median earnings of $27,222. These programs align with local employment opportunities in education, social services, and small business management rather than high-earning technical or professional fields.
While absolute earnings levels are modest compared with larger research universities, Concord's outcomes must be understood in context. The university serves many students who are the first in their families to attend college, often from rural communities with limited economic opportunities. For these students, achieving a bachelor's degree and earning $40,000-plus annually represents meaningful economic progress and social mobility within their regional context.
Concord University stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $8,292 per year after aid, well below the national average and ranking in the top tier for affordability among public institutions. Middle-income families see annual costs of $10,904, while even higher-income students pay only $13,256 — all representing excellent value compared with typical public university pricing.
The university's approach to financial aid helps keep borrowing manageable for most students. Typical graduates leave with $18,900 in federal student loan debt, a reasonable level given the institution's focus on affordability. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $9,328, reflecting the university's success in meeting most costs through grants, work-study, and modest student borrowing rather than requiring families to take on substantial additional debt.
What makes Concord particularly sustainable financially is how the modest debt levels align with post-graduation earning capacity. While graduates don't achieve the highest absolute earnings, the combination of low debt and steady regional employment opportunities means most borrowers can manage their payments comfortably. The university reports a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully navigate their repayment obligations despite the economic challenges common in rural West Virginia.
Concord University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
