Head-to-head · 2026
Plymouth State University vs River Valley Community College
Compare average net price ($19,216 at Plymouth State University; $14,804 at River Valley Community College), ROI score (7.46 vs 7.55), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($57,304 vs $44,700), and admissions context (87.5% at Plymouth State University; Open / not reported at River Valley Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Plymouth State University | River Valley Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.46 | 7.55 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $19,216 | $14,804 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $76,864 | $59,216 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $14,626 | $6,940 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $25,566 | $15,190 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $57,304 ✓ | $44,700 |
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 52% ✓ | 21.9% |
| Retention rate | 68.5% ✓ | 41.4% |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $16,226 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,153 | 608 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Plymouth State University | River Valley Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $14,676 | $13,183 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $14,714 ✓ | $23,244 |
| Family income $48–75k | $17,030 ✓ | $23,244 |
| Family income $75–110k | $21,157 ✓ | $22,238 |
| Family income $110k+ | $23,020 | — |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Plymouth State University | River Valley Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 2.4% | 19.7% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 8.2% | 7.4% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | 1% | 7.9% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 5.9% | 2.5% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 5.3% | 3% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 1.1% | 6.9% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | 2.2% | 2.5% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 2.7% | 1% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
River Valley Community College reports the lower average net price by $4,412 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $17,648 difference over four years ($59,216 vs $76,864).
Plymouth State University reports $12,604 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($57,304 vs $44,700). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 68.5% at Plymouth State University and 41.4% at River Valley Community College. Median federal debt among completers is $26,000 vs $16,226, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Plymouth State University vs River Valley Community College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
River Valley Community College is cheaper — average net price $14,804 per year vs $19,216 at Plymouth State University. The annual difference of $4,412 adds up to about $17,648 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Plymouth State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $57,304 vs $44,700 at River Valley Community College. The gap in the federal data is $12,604. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.