Mountain Empire Community College
About Mountain Empire Community College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Mountain Empire Community College teaches in Big Stone Gap, in the coalfields of far southwestern Virginia. Nursing and environmental control technology are among its largest programs.
Founded
1972
Location
Big Stone Gap, Virginia
Students
1,282
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
48%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$5,007
Out-of-state: $11,445
Avg Net Price
$8,852
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$32,622
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
48% complete their degree within three years
Retention
64.3%
Transfer Out
4%
Teaching Quality
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
23.9%
$/Student
$8.5K
Class Size
Large
48% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$5,007
In-State
$11,445
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,780
Total Cost of Attendance
$15,605
After Financial Aid
$8,852
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,148
Receive Grants
43.4%
Take Loans
0%
Tuition is $5,007/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $8,852.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Mountain Empire Community College fund their education.
While in School
43.4%
Get Grants
Free money
0%
Take Loans
Must repay
$14,888
Median Family Income
After Graduation
N/A
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
N/A
Monthly Payment
N/A
Default Rate
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Mountain Empire Community College.
Gender
61.1%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,282
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
57.1%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
23.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 57.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
1,282
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Mountain Empire Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$32,622
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$20K
126 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$62K
47 grads
1yr Earnings
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
—
19 grads
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$58K
15 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$44K
13 grads
4yr Earnings
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
$52K
11 grads
4yr Earnings
Median earnings are $33K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mountain Empire Community College
How much does Mountain Empire Community College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Mountain Empire Community College?▾
How much do Mountain Empire Community College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.