Concord University
Concord University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Concord University at a Glance
Concord University is a public university in Athens, West Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1872 by an act of the West Virginia Legislature, creating a normal school led by veterans of both the Union and the Confederacy.
1872
154 years old
$48M
$47.715 million (2022)
1,956
1,389 undergrad · 360 grad
Identity
Is Concord University Worth It?
Concord University offers moderate value at $9,966/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $42,703, which is 21% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 41% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 93% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
How Concord University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in WV
Ranked #30 of 89 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #30 | Concord University | 44 | $9,966 | $42,703 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Concord University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in WV.
Best Programs at Concord University
The highest-earning program at Concord University is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $34,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $22,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate from Concord University earns $34,500, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $22,200. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduates carry $21,457 in median debt vs. $23,000 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,966/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,500 | $34,500 | $21,457 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $28,500 | $28,500 | $21,250 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $26,000 | $26,000 | $21,125 |
| Psychology, General | $22,500 | $22,500 | $17,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $22,200 | $22,200 | $23,000 |
Similar Colleges in WV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Athens, WV
- Student Body
- 1,504 students
- Admission Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 41%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,966
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,703
- Median Student Debt
- $18,900