Public Institution

Mountain Empire Community College — Big Stone Gap, Virginia

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Annual Tuition $4,863

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 1,240

Active Students

Avg. Salary $32,622

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Big Stone Gap, Virginia
Institution type Public
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 5/1/1970

Academic Mission & Environment

"Mountain Empire Community College stands as a pillar of higher education in Big Stone Gap, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,240 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Mountain Empire Community College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Mountain Empire Community College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions
32.1%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
29.9%

Enrollment Share

Engineering Tech
11.6%

Enrollment Share

Precision Production
5.7%

Enrollment Share

Construction Trades
4.7%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
4.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Engineering Tech College

The Engineering Tech program at Mountain Empire Community College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Precision Production College

The Precision Production program at Mountain Empire Community College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Construction Trades College

The Construction Trades program at Mountain Empire Community College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Mountain Empire Community College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

Mountain Empire Community College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 38.6%
Women Enrollment 61.5%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Mountain Empire Community College follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for Mountain Empire Community College.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Mountain Empire Community College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $4,863
Out-of-State Tuition $10,866

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 41.5%
Median Student Debt $N/A

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $4,863, graduates see a median starting salary of $32,622, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Virginia.

What salary can Mountain Empire Community College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $32,622

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $7,226
Median Salary (6yr) $30,368
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap?

1,240 Students

Gender Comparison

38.6% Men
61.5% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

0%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Asian
0.3%
Black
2.3%
White
91.9%
Unknown
0.6%
Hispanic
2.6%
Two or More Races
2.3%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 24
🎓
First-Generation 57.1%
💍
Married Students 18.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $35,558
Average Family Income $20,577
Median Family Income $14,888

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

50%
50%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Big Stone Gap Campus Environment

Located at 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Mountain Empire Community College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Virginia. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Mountain Empire Community College

Is Mountain Empire Community College a good college in Big Stone Gap, Virginia?
Mountain Empire Community College is a recognized institution in Big Stone Gap with an enrollment of 1,240 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Virginia.
Is Mountain Empire Community College worth attending in 2026?
That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $32,622 on this page as a starting point for comparison.
How much does Mountain Empire Community College cost for Virginia residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Mountain Empire Community College is approximately $4,863. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $10,866. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Mountain Empire Community College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Mountain Empire Community College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately a significant percentage% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Mountain Empire Community College good for Health Professions and Humanities programs?
Mountain Empire Community College reports program activity in Health Professions and Humanities. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.
What career can I get after attending Mountain Empire Community College?
Graduates of Mountain Empire Community College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $32,622, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Mountain Empire Community College?
Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Mountain Empire Community College's official admissions website.
Does Mountain Empire Community College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Mountain Empire Community College's official admissions portal before applying.
What salary can Mountain Empire Community College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Mountain Empire Community College earn a median salary of $32,622 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Mountain Empire Community College a good investment compared to other VA colleges?
Compare Mountain Empire Community College's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Virginia to judge value for your goals.
Where is Mountain Empire Community College located and what is the campus like?
Mountain Empire Community College is located at 3441 Mountain Empire Road in Big Stone Gap, VA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,240 learners.
Who typically attends Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, VA?
The student body at Mountain Empire Community College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 57.1% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Virginia

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Mountain Empire Community College with other leading institutions in Virginia across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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