Concord University

Athens, West Virginia, United States · Est. 1872 · Public University

Public regional university in Appalachia, transforming from teacher training to comprehensive higher education.

  • Founded February 28, 1872 as a normal school; became Concord University in 2004
  • Public university; 1,956 students (Fall 2024), 1,389 undergraduates, 360 postgraduates
  • Located in Athens, West Virginia on 123-acre campus overlooking Appalachian Mountains
  • NCAA Division II athletics (Mountain Lions); member of Mountain East Conference
  • Ranked #90 (tied) among Regional Universities South by U.S. News & World Report (2026)
  • Offers 11 undergraduate emphasis areas and 6 graduate programs including MBA and Master of Education

Academics

Concord University operates two colleges: Professional and Liberal Studies, and Science, Mathematics, and Health. The university offers 11 undergraduate emphasis areas and six graduate programs including Master of Education, Master of Social Work, Master of Arts in Health Promotion, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Athletic Training, and Master of Business Administration. In 2025, the university accepted 89.6% of undergraduate applicants; enrolled students averaged a 3.4 high school GPA and 960 SAT score (or 19 ACT). Standardized test scores are not required but are considered when submitted.

Campus & Student Life

The 123-acre campus features the J. Frank Marsh Library (largest in southern West Virginia), Science Building with West Virginia's only electron microprobe lab, Alexander Fine Arts Center, Carter Center with two gymnasiums, and the Nick Rahall Technology Center ($14 million facility housing the Division of Business and a 24-time National Championship-winning Esports Program). Five residence halls house students; North and South Towers underwent major renovation completed in 2017. Concord sponsors nearly 200 student organizations including fraternities, sororities, and cultural groups. The Student Government Association is notably advanced with a student-run judicial system and voting representation on the Board of Governors.

Admissions

Concord University does not require standardized test scores for admission, though scores are considered when submitted. The 2025 cohort had an average high school GPA of 3.4 among enrolled students. The university maintains an acceptance rate of 89.6% for undergraduate applicants. Additional campus locations include the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center in Beaver, West Virginia, which serves the region's public colleges.

Outcomes & Athletics

Concord University competes in NCAA Division II as the Mountain Lions, a member of the Mountain East Conference. Men's teams include baseball, basketball, football, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field. Women's teams include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, and track and field. Notable alumni include U.S. Senator Robert Byrd, world champion boxer Christy Martin, and Virginia state senator Creigh Deeds. The university maintains an endowment of $47.715 million (2022).

Founded
1872
Type
Public University
Courses
7
Total intake
Not yet verified
Websitehttps://www.concord.edu
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
7
Avg career outcomes
$42.7K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources