New River Community and Technical College
Out-of-state tuition
$9,646
In-state $5,156
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
1,571
Student-faculty ratio 16:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
29.9%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 32.0%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
New River Community and Technical College (NRCTC) is a vibrant institution located in West Virginia, dedicated to providing accessible education and training to students from diverse backgrounds. One of the college's most notable features is its commitment to community engagement and workforce development. With a focus on practical skills and hands-on learning, NRCTC offers a variety of programs that align with the needs of local industries, thereby enhancing the employability of its graduates. The college's mission emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and personal growth, encapsulated in its motto, "Empowering Communities Through Education."
The campus culture at NRCTC is characterized by a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters collaboration among students and faculty. With a range of student organizations and activities, learners are encouraged to develop leadership skills and participate in community service projects. Additionally, the college boasts modern facilities equipped with the latest technology, ensuring that students have access to quality resources for their education. NRCTC’s dedicated faculty members, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise, are committed to guiding students through their academic journey. This nurturing educational environment not only prepares students for successful careers but also equips them with the skills necessary to contribute positively to their communities.
Analysis of Key Trends at New River Community and Technical College
Over the past decade, New River Community and Technical College has experienced notable changes in several key areas, including tuition costs, student enrollment, retention rates, and graduation rates.
Firstly, tuition for in-state undergraduate students has risen significantly, from $3,460 in 2014 to $5,158 in 2024, marking a nearly 49% increase over ten years. This upward trend is concerning as rising tuition often correlates with increased student debt, potentially limiting access for low-income students. In contrast, out-of-state undergraduate tuition has also seen a substantial rise, from $7,672 to $8,140, reflecting the broader trend of increasing costs in higher education.
Another critical trend is the decline in undergraduate student enrollment, which has decreased from 2,857 in 2013 to just 1,007 in 2023. This 65% drop raises questions about the college's appeal and the factors deterring prospective students, particularly amid a competitive educational landscape that has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
On a more positive note, retention rates have shown a remarkable improvement. In 2021, the retention rate was only 31.8%, but it surged to 53.4% in 2023. This suggests that once students enroll, they are more likely to continue their studies, indicating improvements in student support and engagement initiatives.
Graduation rates, while still low, have shown signs of progress. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students increased from 1.3% in 2013 to approximately 14.7% in 2023. Such improvements signal a positive trend in academic success, though continued efforts will be necessary to enhance these figures further.
In summary, while the college faces challenges related to rising tuition and declining enrollment, it is encouraging to see advancements in retention and graduation rates. Addressing the enrollment decline and managing tuition costs will be vital for the institution's future stability and growth.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Winston-Salem, about 120 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO), about 130 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Bonny B. Copenhaver (President)
- Phone
- 3049295450
- City
- Beaver, West Virginia
- Address
- 280 University Drive, Beaver, WV 25813-8987
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Data from New River Community and Technical College
The graduate data from New River Community and Technical College reveals several noteworthy trends, particularly in the associate degree categories. A total of 27 graduates were reported in General Studies, making it the most popular program, indicative of students seeking a flexible educational foundation that can lead to various career paths. Other programs, such as Registered Nursing, also exhibited significant enrollment with 24 graduates, reflecting the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in a post-pandemic world where the importance of healthcare careers has been magnified.
Interestingly, all bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs reported zero graduates, suggesting a focus on associate degrees or potential barriers to entry for advanced studies. This situation may highlight the college's role as a primary institution for those seeking to enter the workforce quickly, rather than pursuing extended academic paths. The absence of international students in any of the degree programs also raises questions about the college's outreach to global learners, especially in fields with high international interest, such as Business Administration and Information Technology.
Moreover, the data indicates a need for a broader recruitment strategy to attract international students, which could enrich the campus environment and enhance diversity. Given the global emphasis on skilled labor in various sectors, the college might benefit from partnerships with international organizations or institutions to bolster its programs. Overall, while the college excels in associate degree programs, it may need to reassess its offerings and strategies to attract a wider range of students and meet the evolving demands of the job market.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - | |
| General Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - | |
| System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager. | - | |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | - | |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Family and Community Services. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Assistant/Aide. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
Students
1,571 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 32:68 · Freshman retention 59.8%
- Continuing undergraduates 436
- First-year undergraduates 167
- Transfers and others 968
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,571)
Data insights
Student Demographics at New River Community and Technical College in 2023
The student demographics for the academic year 2023 at New River Community and Technical College reveal some interesting insights into the composition of the student body. With a total of 1,007 students categorized into different groups, the data highlights a significant gender imbalance, particularly among the undergraduate students.
Among the newly admitted undergraduate students, females constitute 53.6% while males account for 46.4%. This trend is even more pronounced in the returning undergraduate students, where females make up an impressive 73.5% of the population. The disparity continues with transfer students, where 69.6% are female compared to 30.4% male. Such a predominance of female students might reflect broader educational trends where women are increasingly pursuing higher education, often outnumbering their male counterparts.
In terms of ethnic composition, the data indicates that White students make up the majority across all categories, followed by various minority groups. However, detailed breakdowns for the returning and transfer students are not provided, making it difficult to assess the full diversity of the student body in those categories.
Overall, the data illustrates a shift towards a more gender-diverse educational landscape, with female students leading in numbers. This trend aligns with national statistics showing that women are more likely to enroll in and complete college than men, suggesting a growing empowerment and engagement among female students in higher education.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at New River Community and Technical College
The student age composition at New River Community and Technical College reveals intriguing trends in enrollment across various age groups. Notably, the largest demographic is found in the 18-19 age bracket, with 98 male undergraduates and 165 female undergraduates, making up a significant portion of the student body. This aligns with national trends where younger individuals, particularly recent high school graduates, are increasingly seeking higher education.
As we move through the age groups, the numbers gradually decline. The 20-21 age category maintains a considerable presence, while students aged 22-24 and older show a marked decrease in enrollment. Specifically, only 31 male undergraduates and 84 female undergraduates are found in the 22-24 age group, indicating potential barriers or shifts in educational pursuits among slightly older students.
Interestingly, the data highlights an almost complete absence of graduate students in all age categories, suggesting that the institution primarily attracts undergraduate learners, particularly those in their late teens and early twenties. This trend may reflect the college's focus on vocational training and technical education, which often appeals to younger individuals entering the workforce.
Furthermore, the presence of students aged 50-64 and above is minimal, with only a handful of enrollments. This might indicate that higher education institutions like New River may need to explore strategies to engage older learners, who could benefit from continuing education opportunities in today's evolving job market.
Overall, the age distribution at New River Community and Technical College exemplifies a youthful demographic that is characteristic of many community colleges, highlighting the importance of tailoring educational offerings to meet the needs and aspirations of this age group.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
International Student Trends at New River Community and Technical College
The data from New River Community and Technical College reveals a gradual increase in international student enrollment over the years 2006 and 2009. In 2006, there was a total of 1,765 undergraduate students, with only 1 international student, representing a mere 0.06% of the undergraduate population. By 2009, the total undergraduate count rose to 2,337, and the number of international students increased to 3, which constituted 0.13% of the undergraduate body.
While this growth, although modest, showcases an emerging trend of attracting international students, it is essential to contextualize these figures within the broader landscape of higher education in the United States. Many colleges and universities have been actively working to increase their international student enrollment, which has become a vital aspect of their diversity and global engagement strategies. International students not only contribute to the cultural richness of the campus but also bolster the local economy.
However, the data for graduate students remains unavailable, indicating a potential area for growth and focus. As institutions recognize the benefits of a diverse student body, it is crucial for New River Community and Technical College to develop strategies to enhance its appeal to international students, possibly through targeted marketing efforts, improved support services, and enhanced academic offerings. Overall, the incremental rise in international enrollment highlights a promising, yet still nascent, commitment to global education at the institution.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$14,584
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $9,646
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,156
- Room and board
- $4,938
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 100% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 20%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$17.1M
Expenses$15.7M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg · 53.9 mi
U.S. News #52
-
Washington and Lee UniversityLexington · 92.5 mi
Liberal Arts #12
-
Virginia Military InstituteLexington · 92.8 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens · 119.7 mi
U.S. News #202
-
Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem · 122.5 mi
U.S. News #34
-
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg · 131.6 mi
U.S. News #137
-
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro · 138.4 mi
U.S. News #208
-
North Carolina A&T State UniversityGreensboro · 139.2 mi
U.S. News #219
-
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown · 143.9 mi
U.S. News #227
Data insights
Here are some notable colleges and universities near New River Community and Technical College:
-
Duke University - Ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings, Duke is a prestigious private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. Known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
-
University of Virginia-Main Campus - With a ranking of 24, the University of Virginia is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. It is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is known for its historic foundations, distinguished faculty, and commitment to academic excellence.
-
Wake Forest University - Ranked 47th, Wake Forest University is a private university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It offers a liberal arts education with a focus on small class sizes and a close-knit community.
-
James Madison University - With a rank of 124, James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It provides a comprehensive education with a strong emphasis on practical experience and community engagement.
-
Washington and Lee University - Ranked 21st, this prestigious liberal arts university in Lexington, Virginia, is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong commitment to leadership and service.
-
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - As a top-ranked public university (22nd), UNC Chapel Hill is renowned for its research programs and vibrant student life, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
These institutions offer diverse academic programs and enriching experiences, making them valuable options for students in the region.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at New River Community and Technical College
The crime statistics from New River Community and Technical College reveal a relatively safe environment for students over the past decade. Notably, the years 2013 through 2022 reported zero incidents of crime, indicating a commendable level of safety on campus. The only recorded incidents occurred in 2015 and 2016, with a total of two arrests each year, translating to an average of 1.02 and 1.23 arrests per 1,000 students respectively.
The types of offenses recorded during these years included gun-related arrests, which could reflect broader societal issues rather than specific problems within the college environment. The lack of any recorded incidents since 2016 could be attributed to effective campus safety measures and community outreach programs designed to deter criminal behavior.
This data also highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive strategies in maintaining a safe college environment. It is essential for educational institutions to continually monitor and address potential safety concerns to ensure the well-being of their students.
In comparison to national trends where college campuses often report higher rates of various crimes, New River Community and Technical College stands out as a considerably safe institution. Continued efforts to educate students about safety and to foster an inclusive community will be key in ensuring that these positive trends continue. For more information on calculating crime rates, refer to this link: 'https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447'.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.